February 4, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
SOKOTO, Nigeria — A judicial commission of inquiry established by the Sokoto State Government has submitted a sweeping report alleging that over ₦117 billion was misappropriated during the eight-year administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, intensifying debates over accountability, governance, and the management of public resources in the northwest state.
The commission’s report was formally presented to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Tuesday at the Government House in Sokoto, marking the culmination of what authorities described as a thorough review of the previous administration’s records, contracts, financial activities, and compliance with statutory financial and procurement laws.
Justice Mu’azu Abdulkadir Pindiga (rtd), chairman of the inquiry panel, said the commission was mandated to scrutinise every aspect of the Tambuwal government’s financial conduct from 2019 to 2027 through documentary evidence, sworn testimonies from public officials, contractors, and stakeholders, and an evaluation of procurement and accounting procedures.
According to the chairman’s presentation, the panel’s key findings included widespread financial irregularities, including non-compliance with due process, breaches of extant financial and procurement laws, and instances of executive authority abuse that allegedly resulted in the misdirection and misapplication of over ₦117 billion of public funds.
The report, structured into five major sections background of inquiry, testimonies, detailed findings, recommendations, and conclusions is intended to guide subsequent government actions and ensure accountability in the stewardship of public resources. The panel emphasised that its work was conducted “with fairness, professionalism, and evidence-based analysis,” in line with terms of reference designed to promote transparency and uphold constitutional provisions.
Receiving the report on behalf of the state government, Governor Aliyu praised the commission’s “diligent and impartial work,” noting that the inquiry was part of his administration’s pledge to strengthen transparency, restore public trust, and improve governance structures in Sokoto. He stressed that the investigation was undertaken not as a political vendetta but as a constitutional responsibility.
“The establishment of this commission was never an act of vendetta, nor was it intended to settle political scores or target any individual,” Governor Aliyu said, citing his administration’s commitment to citizen-focused governance and institutional accountability.
Officials said the commission received 31 memoranda and heard evidence from 246 witnesses, with extensive document reviews and financial audits forming the backbone of its findings. The report was delivered with a call for further action by oversight and anti-corruption bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and relevant auditing agencies, to assess whether criminal investigations or prosecutions should follow based on the alleged infractions.
The development has sparked intense political reactions within Sokoto and across Nigeria. Critics of the former governor argue that the findings reinforce long-standing concerns about public financial management and corruption in governance, while supporters of Tambuwal describe the allegations as politically motivated, urging caution and due process in subsequent actions.
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and one-time gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not formally responded to the commission’s report at the time of reporting. His political allies have dismissed the allegations as lacking substantiation and framed them as a tool for political targeting rather than impartial accountability.
The Sokoto State Government has indicated it will prepare a white paper on the commission’s findings, outlining the official position on each allegation and recommending specific actions. Oversight and anti-graft agencies are expected to review the white paper to determine next steps, including possible legal or administrative proceedings.
As attention now turns to the implementation of the report’s recommendations and potential actions by federal anti-corruption bodies, the outcome of this inquiry is poised to play a significant role in shaping public discourse on financial prudence, governance reforms, and political accountability in Nigeria’s subnational governments.