Gudaji Kazaure, a former federal lawmaker from Jigawa State, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with allegations of financial misconduct involving a total of N70 million allegedly received from ex-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. His detention follows a ruling by the Kano State High Court, which on Wednesday nullified a legal injunction that had earlier prohibited the anti-corruption agency from apprehending him.
The EFCC moved swiftly after the court’s decision, taking Kazaure into custody the same day. Investigators believe that he benefited from illicit financial transfers orchestrated by the former CBN governor, using a third-party intermediary.
Alleged Disbursements from Emefiele to Kazaure
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the former lawmaker reportedly received two separate cash payments of N10 million each—amounting to N20 million in total. These transactions were allegedly facilitated through an associate of Emefiele, identified only as “Mr. Eric.” The funds were said to have been provided specifically to finance the purchase of rams for the Eid al-Adha celebration, commonly referred to as “Sallah.”
An official close to the inquiry revealed that, “The initial N20 million was handed over to Mr. Kazaure in two installments through a go-between acting on Emefiele’s behalf. The stated purpose was to assist with expenses for Sallah rams.”
Following that, the EFCC claims that Kazaure obtained an additional N50 million from Emefiele, which was labeled as financial support after a fire reportedly affected Kazaure’s residence.
“The further payment of N50 million was made under the guise of a personal donation to Mr. Kazaure, allegedly to help him recover from property damage caused by a fire,” the source explained.
Detention in Kano and Possible Transfer to Abuja
At present, Kazaure remains in custody at the EFCC’s Kano office. However, officials have hinted that he may soon be relocated to the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation and potential arraignment. Legal proceedings are expected to follow, as the EFCC compiles evidence to support formal charges that could include misappropriation of funds or conspiracy to launder money.
Kazaure’s Past Accusations Against Emefiele
Ironically, Kazaure was once a vocal critic of Emefiele and accused him of being involved in large-scale financial corruption. In late 2022, Kazaure publicly claimed that the Central Bank, under Emefiele’s leadership, could not account for an astronomical N89.1 trillion allegedly collected as stamp duty charges over a period of years. At the time, Kazaure was serving as a member of a presidential task force formed to probe the matter.
He further alleged that high-level officials were blocking his efforts to submit the task force’s findings to President Muhammadu Buhari, who had set up the investigative committee.
Federal Government Dismissed His Claims
In response to Kazaure’s public accusations, the presidency, through former presidential spokesman Garba Shehu, discredited his statements. Shehu issued a press release indicating that the presidential committee on stamp duties had already been dissolved, and that Kazaure no longer had any official authority to pursue the issue.
“The committee referenced by Mr. Kazaure had been formally disbanded long before his allegations were made public,” Shehu stated, suggesting that Kazaure’s accusations lacked both legitimacy and evidence.
Reversal of Roles: From Whistleblower to Suspect
The unfolding events represent a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Kazaure, who once portrayed himself as a corruption watchdog seeking transparency in public finance. Now, he finds himself under scrutiny for allegedly benefiting from the very system he once condemned. The EFCC is now investigating whether the financial transfers he received from Emefiele were legitimate assistance or part of a broader network of undisclosed and unauthorized disbursements.
Emefiele Under Multiple Investigations
These new revelations come amid a series of ongoing investigations targeting former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele. Since his suspension and subsequent arrest in 2023, Emefiele has faced mounting legal challenges, including allegations of currency mismanagement, contract fraud, and foreign exchange manipulation. The EFCC has prioritized uncovering the full extent of financial dealings that took place under his tenure.
The involvement of Kazaure adds another layer to the expanding inquiry, especially given the nature of the payments—framed as donations and personal gifts—that now appear suspicious under closer examination.
Next Steps in Legal Process
With Kazaure in custody, legal analysts expect the EFCC to press charges after concluding their initial interrogation and financial forensic review. If found culpable, he may face prosecution for violations related to the receipt of public funds under false pretenses or laundering proceeds of corruption.
Meanwhile, the commission is expected to broaden the scope of its investigation to determine whether other individuals received similar funds through unofficial channels tied to Emefiele’s tenure at the apex bank.
In the coming weeks, the EFCC may also issue formal updates or court filings that detail the evidence against both Kazaure and other individuals connected to this network of alleged financial misconduct.
