- Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has criticised the enforcement of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws, saying people can escape consequences when they have strong political connections.
- He said meaningful progress requires institutions, including anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary, to function without political interference.
Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has said people can get away with almost anything in Nigeria when they have the right political connections.
Sanusi made the remark in an interview with Channels Television in Lagos during the public presentation of Unexplained Wealth: A Trilogy of Nigerian Financial Law on September 28, 2026.
Speaking about Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws, the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor said the country already has institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, as well as courts expected to determine such matters.
“We have institutions that are supposed to identify corrupt people and prosecute them. You have courts that are supposed to do it,” Sanusi said.
He argued that the effectiveness of those institutions is undermined when political influence affects the handling of corruption cases.
“We have seen in this country people who are facing corruption charges who basically just get those charges dropped because they belong to the right political environment or have the right political support.”
Sanusi stressed that changing laws alone would not be enough without stronger institutions and proper enforcement.
“Now until the politicians and those who control political office and the judiciary decide that they are going to use these laws for the purpose for which they are set up, we’re not going to get anywhere,” he said.
He concluded: “Otherwise anyone knows that you can get away with anything if you have the right political connections.”
The comments have sparked reactions online.
@Bari Aala: Where’s the lie?
That’s why most of them want the country to remain like this so they can remain untouchable but God dey
@Obionkan Effiong Bassey: Na true his saying the truth
@Kefas Olamilekan Ezekiel: That’s why Military Government is the best for Nigeria and reduces all these get away from justice political connections drastically.
@Abdulbariu Zakari: We cherish and adore you for always standing for the truth regardless of the consequences, May Allah continue to bless you and make your days long on the throne 🙏.
@Ignatius Okechukwu: If you belong to APC
@Ahmed Lawal: People saying it is the truth don’t know u are also beneficial of this
@Prince Adewumi Abdulqadri Eniola: We know that a long time ago 🤣
@Chibuike Conglomerate: Yahaya Bello
Must face jail terms
@Abdul Ayuba: Indirectly to shehu buba
@Tanimu Umar: Absolutely!, thats is the fact!.
@Amuta Bright: Obi/Kwankwaso ticket represent what you’re saying Sir ✌️
@Mayor Jay: Where’s the lie kwanu?
@Paff Nwaigwe: no be lie
@Ezequiel Omonowa: Gideon Okaluka murder in mind…..Kano riot 1993
@Abigail Onyinyechi: We all know about dis,so dis isn’t news.
@Aboche Steven: Okokobioko
@Kiki Malon: Even u too now
@Amandi Aneze: True
@Gimbiya Deborah Jatau: That’s true
