A combined photo of Suleiman Aminu Danwawu and Ibrahim Namadi
By Our Reporter
The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed how embattled Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, collected the sum of $30,000 as bribe to stand as surety for a notorious drug trafficker, Suleiman Aminu, popularly known as Danwawu.
According to the SSS report, the commissioner agreed to guarantee bail for Mr Danwawu—a high-profile suspect targeted by the Kano State government’s anti-drug campaign—after receiving the money.
The SSS is said to have conducted a discreet investigation and recommended Namadi’s dismissal to Governor Abba Yusuf.
Namadi had earlier been declared wanted for fraud in 2013 before his recent appointment by Governor Yusuf, reportedly at the insistence of NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso. Despite initial anger over the commissioner’s actions, the governor delayed any disciplinary action pending consultations with Kwankwaso.
“The governor sees the commissioner’s action as a direct betrayal of his administration’s anti-drug stance,” a source close to the matter said.
“Namadi’s involvement contradicts a standing resolution of the State Security Council to bring down Danwawu’s network of illicit drug operations in Kano.”
Sources also disclosed growing friction between Namadi and key stakeholders, including the state’s NURTW chairman Kabiru Labour, over a controversial N500,000 monthly levy imposed on the union.
In the ministry itself, the commissioner has reportedly sidelined the permanent secretary, Abdulmumin Babani, contributing to administrative stagnation.
Over 30 memos from the Ministry of Transport are said to be delayed, marked “keep in view,” “see me,” or left unapproved by the governor.
Recently, a memo for the purchase of solar-powered tricycles was submitted to the State Executive Council by another ministry—bypassing the Ministry of Transport entirely.
When contacted, Mr Namadi denied all allegations, saying: “I’m not aware of all the allegations you mentioned. It’s not true.” Shortly after, the state commissioner for information, Ibrahim Waiya, called the journalist behind the story, accusing them of harassment and questioning their intentions.
The scandal started on July 24 that Namadi had stood as surety for Danwawu following a bail ruling by Justice M.S. Shu’aibu of the Federal High Court, Kano. The judge had imposed strict bail conditions requiring the accused to produce a serving commissioner and a deposit of ₦5 million.
In a letter dated July 18, 2025, and obtained exclusively, Mr Namadi wrote to the court formally applying to serve as surety and swore an affidavit of means to support his application.
The governor has since set up an investigative panel with a one-week deadline to submit its findings.
Recall that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command two months ago arraigned Suleiman Danwawu, before the Federal High Court 1 in Kano, presided over by Justice M.S. Shu’aibu.
According to a statement by Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the public relations officer of the NDLEA in Kano, Aminu has been a long-standing figure in illicit drug operations, running a network that has fueled substance abuse and insecurity across Kano and surrounding states.
“Suleiman Aminu was apprehended during a coordinated operation by the Nigeria Police Force, Kano Command, at his residence and was subsequently transferred to the NDLEA for a thorough investigation and prosecution.
“Upon his transfer, a follow-up operation was conducted, resulting in the recovery of additional illicit substances. His arraignment marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes and highlights the agency’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in all its forms,” the statement reads.
