A python and several other wild animals discovered at the home of former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, have been safely relocated to the Kano Zoo.
The Managing Director of the Kano Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency, Sadik Kura Muhammad, confirmed the evacuation during a radio interview on Thursday.
He revealed that the python had slithered out of Idris’ residence in Daneji, sparking fear among residents in surrounding communities such as Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki, Daily Trust reported.
In addition to the python, authorities also found a crocodile and a lion cub at the residence. All the animals have now been moved to the Kano Zoo.
Muhammad explained that the animals are currently in the agency’s custody.
He stated that “the owner, Ahmed Idris, voluntarily handed them over to the zoo following public concern.”
According to the agency’s managing director, Idris had a valid license to keep the animals, and they had not yet developed to a stage where they posed a threat.
Muhammad said, “There is a law called the Wild Animal Law, which permits individuals to keep certain wild animals in their homes. These may include endangered and non-endangered species.”
He added that, “However, endangered species—those facing extinction, such as parrots and vultures—must only be kept in zoos to support their reproduction and survival, not for personal amusement.”
He further elaborated on the law’s requirements, which include securing a license, creating a suitable habitat, and ensuring proper feeding and safety before approval is granted.
“When I heard about the situation, I verified that he had a license and that the lion was still a cub, posing no harm. But once such animals reach a certain age, they must be transferred to the zoo.”
“That’s why the license must be renewed annually to ensure safety. Before any animal becomes potentially harmful, it should already be in our custody.”
“I visited the residence and confirmed the animals had not reached a dangerous stage. However, due to concerns raised by neighbours, the former AGF decided to surrender all the animals to the government. We collected them, and they are now safely housed in Kano Zoo.”
“We conducted the evacuation at night, so there is no cause for alarm,” Muhammad added.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that Ahmed Idris has been invited for questioning over the matter.
According to Daily Trust, some residents were left shaken by the incident and reported being unable to sleep soundly until the python was captured and removed.
A resident, Aminu Balarabe, said he had known for a while that wild animals were kept at Idris’ residence but had never experienced an escape until now.
“We were sleeping with one eye open due to fear. Even if it’s still a cub, no one jokes with safety,” he said.
Another resident, Hayatuddeen Muhammad, criticized the idea of keeping wild animals in a residential area.
“That house is surrounded by many others. These animals should have been housed in a distant facility. It’s unfortunate. Though Idris is a good man who supports his neighbours, this poses a real danger,” he said.
Usman Yunusa, who lives some distance from the house, expressed concern, stating he was only made aware of the animals after the news broke.
A recently circulated video published by SaharaReporters shows Ahmed Idris casually playing with a monitor lizard in his home.
Idris, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was suspended in 2022 after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of ₦109.5 billion in public funds.
The viral video shows the embattled former official appearing calm and playful with the large reptile in what appears to be his living room.
