A CONFIDENTIAL report by the State Security Service (SSS) has accused Ibrahim Namadi, the embattled Kano State Commissioner for Transport, of accepting a $30,000 bribe from Sulaiman Danwawu, a notorious drug kingpin, in exchange for acting as his surety in court.
According to multiple security sources in Abuja, the SSS conducted a discreet investigation into the matter and has reportedly advised Governor Abba Yusuf to dismiss the commissioner for his alleged misconduct.
Namadi, who has a past marred by criminal charges, including being declared wanted for fraud in 2013 is a controversial figure whose recent appointment was allegedly pushed by NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso despite initial reservations from the governor.
The controversy erupted after court records revealed that Namadi swore an affidavit of means and wrote a formal letter to the Federal High Court in Kano on July 18, 2025, offering to stand as surety for Danwawu, who had been granted bail under strict conditions by Justice M.S. Shu’aibu.
The court had demanded a serving commissioner and a N5 million deposit in an interest-bearing account as part of the bail requirements.
Despite the gravity of the case and court’s efforts to bring Danwawu to justice, Namadi stepped in to fulfill the surety requirement, a move that has sparked public outrage and political tension in the state.
The development has placed Governor Yusuf in a difficult political position. While sources say he was infuriated by Namadi’s involvement, the governor has reportedly delayed any disciplinary action following consultations with Kwankwaso, the NNPP political godfather who nominated Namadi for the post.
An insider told this newspaper, “The commissioner has a baggage of scandals, but the governor’s hands are tied because of his loyalty to Kwankwaso.”
It was also revealed that Namadi has been at loggerheads with the state chairman of NURTW, Kabiru Labour, for allegedly imposing a mandatory N500,000 monthly return on the union.
Additionally, sources within the Ministry of Transport allege that the commissioner has sidelined his permanent secretary, Abdulmumin Babani, and runs the ministry unilaterally.
“The lack of synergy has resulted in administrative stagnation,” said one source, citing over 30 pending memos from the ministry that have remained unapproved or marked “keep in view” by the governor.
The governor’s loss of confidence in Namadi appears to have already affected governance. Recently, a memo for the purchase of solar-powered tricycles was presented before the State Executive Council, but notably not initiated by the Ministry of Transport, despite the project falling under its purview.
“Governor Abba Yusuf sees the commissioner’s actions as a direct sabotage of his anti-drug efforts,” a top aide said.
When contacted for a response, Namadi denied all allegations, stating, “I’m not aware of all the allegations you mentioned, it’s not true.”
Namadi has long been dogged by allegations of financial and administrative misconduct. His role in this high-profile case coming at a time when the Kano State Government is under pressure to address drug trafficking and abuse has further polarized the public and raised concerns about political interference in law enforcement.
As the probe committee set up by the governor prepares to submit its findings, public expectations are high that accountability will prevail, regardless of political affiliations.