The situation regarding the Kano State government’s retrieval of official vehicles from former commissioners has escalated, as five ex-members of the state executive council have taken legal action against the government at the National Industrial Court.
It would be recalled that the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, reclaimed the vehicles from the homes of the former commissioners on Thursday, intensifying an already charged political climate.
The former commissioners involved are Nasiru Sule Garo (Special Duties), AVM Ibrahim Umar (Internal Security), Adamu Aliyu Kibiya (Humanitarian Affairs), Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata (Science and Technology), and Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso (Youth and Sports).
They resigned shortly after Governor Abba Yusuf switched from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Court filings obtained by journalists reveal that AVM Umar, who stepped down as Commissioner for Internal Security in January, has filed a lawsuit (NICN/KN/14/2026) against the attorney general of Kano State and two others.
In his lawsuit, Umar claims that PCACC agents forcibly entered his home on February 26, disrupted his family, and took his official vehicle.
He is demanding the immediate return of the vehicle and a complete list of those involved in the operation.
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In a separate statement signed by Umar on behalf of the affected former commissioners, the group accused the state government of adopting a “vindictive attitude” and engaging in intimidation tactics.
They argued that according to the Revised 2023 Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission Act, official vehicles are part of the entitlements for political officeholders.
The statement noted that a former Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Ali Namadi, who resigned earlier, was permitted to keep his official vehicle, and the ex-commissioners believe they deserve the same consideration.
The group also alleged that government agents not only seized official vehicles but also removed personal cars belonging to their spouses while they were away from home.
“Our personal freedom and the sanctity of our family members were severely violated,” the statement said, characterizing the recovery operation as an attempt to humiliate and silence perceived opposition voices.
However, PCACC Chairman, Saidu Yahaya, previously confirmed that the recovery was conducted under a valid court order, asserting that the former commissioners had ignored multiple requests to return government property.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the former officials stated they would seek judicial clarification on the matter and urged their supporters to remain calm.
This incident adds to the increasing political tension in Kano following Gov. Yusuf’s defection and the subsequent resignations, which have heightened divisions between the ruling APC and supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
