The Kano State Commissioner of Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, has stood as surety for a suspected drug cartel leader, Suleiman Danwawu, Daily Nigerian reports.
Danwawu is facing an eight-count charge of drug trafficking filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He was arraigned on May 28 at the Federal High Court in Kano and remanded in prison while the court considered his bail application on June 16.
Justice M.S. Shu’aibu, known for his tough stance on drug offences, granted bail under stringent conditions: Danwawu was required to present a serving Kano State commissioner as surety and deposit ₦5 million into an interest-yielding account.
Despite widespread public skepticism over whether any government official would meet such conditions, Commissioner Namadi stepped forward.
In a letter dated July 18, 2025, addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Kano, Mr. Namadi wrote, “I humbly wish to apply to stand as surety for the Defendant in the above suit (SULAIMAN AMINU), who was granted bail by this Honourable Court in the sum of Three Million Naira only (N3,000,000.00) and one surety in the like sum. Also, the Defendant shall deposit N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) only, which shall be placed in an interest-yielding account.”
He added, “I undertake to abide by the bail conditions imposed on the Defendant and promise to produce him before the Court on all adjourned dates until the final determination of the case. I hope my application will be considered.”
Namadi also swore an affidavit of means, formally accepting legal and financial responsibility for Danwawu.
When contacted by Daily Nigerian to explain why he chose to stand surety for someone accused of heading a drug cartel, Namadi said he was in a meeting and would call back. As of the time of filing this report, he had not done so.
The commissioner’s action has drawn criticism from legal professionals and civil society groups, with many questioning why a public official would align himself with an individual facing serious criminal charges.
The Kano branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stated that it will closely monitor Danwawu’s trial.
The case continues to generate outrage across Kano, with growing concerns about the blurry lines between public office and alleged criminal complicity.
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