Emir of Kano Sanusi warns political ties enable corruption in Nigeria

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has raised concerns regarding the enforcement of anti-corruption laws in Nigeria, alleging that political connections allow certain individuals to evade accountability. Speaking in Lagos during the presentation of ‘Unexplained Wealth: A Trilogy of Nigerian Financial Law’ by lawyer Dr. Wahab Shittu, Sanusi argued that while the country possesses the necessary legal frameworks and institutions, implementation remains inconsistent.

Sanusi claimed that political influence often results in corruption charges being dropped for those with the right affiliations. He specifically cited the case of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, questioning whether certain legal proceedings represent genuine anti-corruption efforts or political persecution, noting that El-Rufai was held for seven months without conviction.

The monarch emphasized that strengthening laws alone is insufficient if the institutions responsible for investigation and prosecution fail to apply rules fairly and independently of political pressure.