Panic in Kano as Python Escapes from Residence of Former Accountant General Facing ₦109.5 Billion Fraud Trial
Residents of several communities in Kano State were gripped by fear after a python reportedly escaped from the home of former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, who is currently facing trial for the alleged misappropriation of ₦109.5 billion in public funds.
The incident, which occurred in the Daneji area of Kano, triggered panic in surrounding neighborhoods including Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki, until wildlife officials intervened.
According to Sadik Kura Muhammad, Managing Director of the Kano Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency, the python, along with other wild animals including a crocodile and a lion cub were discovered in Idris’ residence and have since been safely relocated to the Kano Zoo.
Speaking during a radio interview, Muhammad confirmed that Idris held a valid license to keep the animals under the state’s Wild Animal Law, which permits the domestic ownership of certain wildlife species under regulated conditions. However, he noted that due to rising public concern, Idris voluntarily handed the animals over to the authorities.
“We verified that he had the appropriate license, and that the lion was only a cub, not yet dangerous,” Muhammad said. “Still, given the anxiety among residents, the animals were evacuated at night to avoid further alarm.”
The Wildlife Agency emphasized that the Wild Animal Law requires annual license renewals and mandates safety, appropriate habitat, and feeding for any domesticated wild animal. Species considered endangered must only be kept in conservation settings such as zoos.
Meanwhile, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, confirmed that an investigation has been launched and Ahmed Idris has been invited for questioning.
Local residents expressed a mix of fear and frustration. One, Aminu Balarabe, said, “We knew he had animals, but this is the first time one escaped. It was terrifying. We couldn’t sleep peacefully.”
Another resident, Hayatuddeen Muhammad, criticized the proximity of the animals to residential homes. “Even though Idris is a good man, wild animals should not be kept in such close quarters to other people.”
The incident also comes on the heels of a viral video showing Idris casually playing with a monitor lizard inside his home footage that reignited public debate about the safety and ethics of keeping exotic animals in residential areas.
Idris was suspended in 2022 following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the alleged embezzlement of public funds.
Authorities say all animals have now been secured and pose no further threat to the public.
