A coalition of students under the aegis of the Kano Concerned Students Movement (KCSM) has called for the immediate prosecution of former APC deputy governorship candidate, Murtala Sule Garo, over alleged multi-billion naira fraud.
Garo was a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Kano state.
In a statement released to newsmen on Monday, by its National Coordinator, Comrade Aminu Hassan, the group condemned what it described as a “grave betrayal of public trust,” following criminal charges filed against Garo by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).
Garo was
According to the statement, the charges—currently before the Kano State High Court—include criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, making false statements, and the alleged misappropriation of public funds belonging to the 44 Local Government Areas in the state.
The commission reportedly alleged that about ₦57.43 billion in statutory allocations meant for grassroots development between 2020 and 2023 was diverted. The funds were said to have been moved from the State Joint Local Governments Account into personal accounts of local government cashiers and private entities.
In addition, the statement noted that a separate ₦2.8 billion was allegedly siphoned from a ₦26 billion stabilization pool through companies linked to Garo. The funds were reportedly used to acquire luxury assets, including a high-end apartment at Hilton Suites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as well as properties in Kano and Abuja.
Reacting to the development, the KCSM described the allegations as deeply troubling, particularly given their impact on young people in the state.
“The billions of naira in question were meant for grassroots development—resources that should have supported quality education, improved student welfare, and strengthened critical infrastructure in our tertiary institutions,” the statement read.
“It is devastating that while students struggle with poor facilities and rising costs, funds meant to secure their future were allegedly diverted for personal luxury.”
The group called on the Kano State Judiciary to ensure a swift, transparent, and impartial trial, stressing that justice must be served without political interference.
“There must be no sacred cows. Public office holders must be held accountable, and any attempt to delay justice must be resisted,” the group added.
While acknowledging the principle of presumption of innocence, the students vowed to closely monitor the proceedings and mobilize public support for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
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