By Zara Maisango
In a twist of fate that has stunned many Nigerians, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gudaji Kazaure, over allegations of receiving N70 million from the embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The arrest, which was executed by operatives of the anti-graft agency in Kano, came shortly after a High Court in the state vacated a restraining order that had previously shielded the lawmaker from investigation. Sources close to the commission confirmed that Kazaure was whisked away and is currently being detained at the EFCC office in Kano, with plans underway to transfer him to Abuja for further interrogation and possible arraignment.
According to findings, Kazaure, who once represented Kazaure, Gwiwa, and Yan Kwashi Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, allegedly received N20 million in two tranches through an intermediary known simply as "Eric." The money was said to be for the purchase of Sallah rams. Additionally, he allegedly pocketed another N50 million under the guise of a ‘donation’ following a fire incident at his residence.
Ironically, this same Kazaure made headlines in December 2022 when he accused Emefiele of being at the center of a purported N89 trillion stamp duty fraud. As secretary of what he described as a presidential committee on stamp duties, Kazaure claimed the panel had sweeping powers—including the ability to detain suspects—which he said extended to the CBN boss himself.
But the presidency swiftly distanced itself from Kazaure’s claims. In a strong rebuttal, then presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu dismissed the entire committee as unauthorized and dissolved, insisting that Nigeria's total banking sector assets didn’t even amount to N50 trillion—rendering the N89 trillion claim dubious at best.
Now, the man who once rode on the wave of anti-corruption advocacy finds himself ensnared in the same net of financial misconduct he once publicly decried.
The EFCC has yet to officially charge Kazaure, but the dramatic turn of events underscores the complexity and depth of Nigeria’s ongoing war against corruption—where even self-styled whistleblowers are not above scrutiny.