- Three groups demand ex-gov’s probe over alleged N432b misappropriation
Hundreds of youths and civil society actors yesterday staged coordinated protests in Kaduna, demanding the probe and prosecution of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged financial impropriety and the unresolved disappearance of social media activist, Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata).
The protesters, including members of the Nasiriya Movement and youth leaders from Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, gathered at the UTC roundabout and marched to Government House, chanting solidarity songs as security operatives monitored the rally.
Placards read: “Where is Dadiyata?”, “Publish the $350m loan agreement,” “El-Rufai must refund N432bn,” and “Kaduna deserves accountability.”
The protesters described Dadiyata’s 2019 disappearance as “an open wound,” insisting that those in power at the time must account for it.
Youth leaders Anas Yusuf and Joseph Chori said transparency in the state required a full audit of the previous administration. They demanded disclosure of the $350 million World Bank loan, including the agreement, spending details and repayment plan.
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In a related demonstration, the Nasiriya Movement backed ongoing investigations by anti-graft agencies. Its National President, Alhaji Garkuwa Ibrahim Babuga, alleged that over N432 billion was misappropriated and urged authorities to recover any diverted funds.
Babuga also claimed that many civil servants were disengaged without gratuities, vowing sustained protests until “justice is served.”
Separately, youth leaders from Southern Kaduna distanced themselves from a recent pro-El-Rufai gathering in Kafanchan, describing it as unrepresentative.
Nasiru Jagaba and Derek Christopher alleged past injustices, including the detention of the late Chief of Kurama, Dr. Ishaku Damina, and called for investigations into alleged payments to armed groups during the insecurity crisis.
The coalition urged oversight institutions to review security vote spending and related allocations, stressing that public funds must be subject to scrutiny.
While reaffirming support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, the protesters maintained that accountability “is not persecution but a constitutional right,” pledging to sustain pressure until “every kobo is accounted for.”