In a dramatic move, Ibrahim Ali Namadi, the Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, resigned hours after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received a damning report implicating him in the controversial bail of a suspected drug lord. Namadi’s resignation, which came on the heels of the release of the investigative committee’s findings, has sent ripples through the state’s political landscape.
According to Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Namadi’s decision to step down was made with the overriding public interest in mind, recognising the sensitivity of the situation.
“As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step—painful as it may be,” Namadi said in his resignation statement. “While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built.”
The resignation comes after Namadi was accused of acting against the state’s strong stance on drug abuse and trafficking. Despite maintaining his innocence, Namadi acknowledged that the controversy surrounding his involvement in the bail process was damaging to the administration’s reputation.
In his statement, Namadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the administration and its principles of good governance. “I must, as a good citizen, strive to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked so hard to instil in our dear state,” he added. “I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration into office.”
Governor Yusuf, in his response, accepted Namadi’s resignation and expressed his appreciation for the Commissioner’s service. “I wish him success in his future endeavours,” the governor stated. He reiterated the administration’s unwavering stance against drug-related crimes and vowed to continue the fight against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.
The resignation follows the formal presentation of the committee’s report, which was led by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim. The report outlined key findings from the investigation, including the discovery that Namadi had voluntarily agreed to stand as surety for the accused, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, who faced serious drug-related charges.
The investigative committee noted that Namadi had submitted an affidavit confirming his position as a serving Commissioner, pledging to comply with all bail conditions. However, the committee raised concerns over his failure to exercise adequate caution, given the gravity of the charges against the defendant.
Further findings revealed that while Namadi was aware of the drug-related nature of the accusations against Danwawu, there was no evidence to suggest any personal connection or financial inducement had influenced his decision. It was also confirmed that Namadi did not pay the ₦5 million bail sum, which had been mentioned only in the defendant’s affidavit.
Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude to the committee for its professionalism and objectivity. “The recommendations from the investigation will be thoroughly reviewed and acted upon in line with due process,” he assured the public.
The resignation of Ibrahim Ali Namadi serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between public perception and political office, particularly in a state where the fight against drug trafficking and abuse is a top priority.
