Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Ali Namadi Dala, has denied having any personal or professional ties with Sulaiman Danwawu, a suspect facing drug trafficking charges. Namadi stood as surety for Danwawu after respected individuals vouched for the suspect's character, despite Danwawu being described as a notorious figure in Kano's drug trafficking underworld by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) ¹ ².
Background of the Case
- *Danwawu's Arrest*: The suspect was arrested in a joint operation by the Nigeria Police Force and NDLEA, with illicit substances recovered from his residence.
- *Bail Conditions*: The court granted bail to Danwawu on July 17, 2025, with strict conditions, including a surety who must be a serving commissioner in the Kano State Executive Council and a deposit of N5 million.
Namadi's Explanation
Namadi explained that he wasn't aware of the severity of the allegations against Danwawu and only later discovered the full extent of the charges. He emphasized his commitment to justice, transparency, and lawful conduct, stating that his values don't align with shielding criminals or undermining the rule of law ¹.
Reaction and Next Steps
- *Public Outcry*: The development has sparked public outcry, with civil society groups calling for a deeper investigation into possible ties between state officials and organized crime.
- *Withdrawal as Surety*: Namadi has instructed his lawyers to advise him on withdrawing as surety, expressing regret over the unfortunate incident ³.
