Wild animals including a python, crocodile, and lion cub have been evacuated from the Kano residence of former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, after one of the creatures reportedly escaped and triggered panic across several communities.
Residents of Daneji, Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki said they were gripped with fear for days until authorities confirmed the animals had been removed.
“We slept with one eye open due to fear. Even if it’s just a cub, no one jokes with safety,” said Aminu Balarabe, a resident familiar with the presence of animals in the former official’s home.
Another resident, Hayatuddeen Muhammad, raised concerns over the location of the animals. “That house is surrounded by many others. These animals should have been kept far from residential areas. It’s unfortunate. Idris is a kind man, but this was dangerous,” he told Observers Times.
Usman Yunusa, who lives further away, said he only heard about the matter after the story surfaced online. “We didn’t know wild animals were living that close. We are grateful the situation didn’t turn tragic,” he said.
The Managing Director of Kano Zoo, Sadik Kura Muhammad, confirmed that the animals had been retrieved and are now under the zoo’s custody. He said the former AGF willingly handed them over after neighbours raised the alarm.
Speaking on a local radio programme, Muhammad explained, “There is a law called the Wild Animal Law, which permits people to keep certain species with a valid licence. Idris had that licence, and the animals had not reached a stage where they were considered dangerous.”
He clarified that the lion was still a cub and posed no immediate threat but stressed that licenses must be renewed annually to maintain oversight.
“When I visited the residence, I confirmed that none of the animals had become harmful. But based on the tension in the neighbourhood, he agreed to surrender them to the government. We collected them at night and there’s no cause for alarm,” he said.
He also noted that endangered species such as parrots and vultures are not permitted for private keeping and must be housed in zoos to aid their survival.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said Idris has been invited for questioning and that an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Ahmed Idris was appointed Accountant General of the Federation under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was arrested in 2022 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting N109.5 billion in public funds.
