A forensic analysis has determined that the viral video capturing former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollar notes as a bribe from a contractor and stuffing them in his flowing dress is authentic.
The video, which garnered widespread attention in 2017, has been the subject of intense scrutiny.
Six years after the incident, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Rimingado, confirmed that the video wasn’t doctored.
“The authenticity of the videos had been confirmed,” Rimingado said on Wednesday during a one-day public dialogue on the anti-corruption crusade in Kano.
He also acknowledged the immense pressure he faced to establish Ganduje’s innocence or guilt since the video’s release.
Rimingado further revealed that the commission had been investigating the allegations against Ganduje since 2018. However, due to the former governor’s immunity, proving his guilt or innocence had been an insurmountable challenge.
It is worth noting that while Governor Ganduje had initially denied the contents of the video when it first surfaced, the Kano State House of Assembly formed a committee to investigate the allegations. Unfortunately, the committee had not submitted its findings before a new assembly was inaugurated on July 4, 2023.
The former governor took legal action by filing a suit in the Kano State High Court, seeking to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating him regarding the matter.
The former Attorney General of the State, representing Ganduje, requested that the court restrain the EFCC until a separate lawsuit between the former governor and the publisher of the Daily Nigerian, Jafaar Jafaar, is resolved.
The authenticity of the video will undoubtedly have significant implications for Ganduje’s reputation and ongoing investigations. As the legal proceedings continue, the public eagerly awaits further developments in this high-profile case.
He also acknowledged the immense pressure he faced to establish Ganduje’s innocence or guilt since the video’s release.
