The Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Namadi, has officially resigned from office following the submission of an investigative panel’s report to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which indicted him in connection with a controversial bail granted to a suspected drug trafficker.
Namadi’s resignation, announced on Tuesday, came amid growing public criticism over his alleged role in securing bail for one Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, a suspect apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for narcotics-related offences.
According to the report submitted to Governor Yusuf, the former commissioner had applied to act as surety for the drug suspect without conducting due diligence or following standard verification procedures. Although the panel found no evidence of personal financial gain, it described Namadi’s action as a breach of public trust and poor judgment for a person holding high office.
The report noted that the decision to stand surety for a criminal suspect of such gravity was "capable of undermining the administration’s commitment to the fight against drug abuse, insecurity, and youth corruption in the state.”
In his resignation letter, Namadi stated that he was stepping down in the interest of the public and to protect the integrity of the Yusuf-led administration, while maintaining his innocence and denying any wrongdoing or collusion with the suspect.
“I acted in good faith,” he reportedly said, “and had no prior knowledge of the suspect’s full criminal background. However, I accept full responsibility for my actions and wish to allow the government to continue its anti-drug stance without distraction.”
Governor Yusuf, in response to the report, commended the panel for its swift and transparent work, and accepted the resignation. He reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for drug-related offenses, warning all political appointees to avoid any conduct that could bring the government into disrepute.
The development has sparked mixed reactions in the state, with civil society organizations and youth groups praising the swift response of the government, while others call for greater scrutiny of all appointees’ conduct and integrity going forward.
The resignation is the first major shakeup in the Yusuf administration since it came into power, and political observers believe it may signal a tougher stance against perceived ethical breaches by government officials.
The Kano State Government is expected to announce a replacement for the transport commissioner in the coming days.