A python and several other wild animals kept at the residence of Ahmed Idris, the former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) currently facing trial for alleged ₦109.5 billion fraud, have been safely relocated to the Kano Zoo.
The move came after the python escaped from his home, prompting widespread panic in the surrounding communities.
The Managing Director of the Kano Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency, Sadik Kura Muhammad, confirmed the incident during a radio interview on Thursday. He stated that the python had escaped from Idris’ residence in Daneji, causing fear and unrest in neighboring areas such as Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki.
In addition to the python, officials discovered a crocodile and a lion cub in the former AGF’s home. These animals have now been transferred to the custody of the Kano Zoo.
Muhammad explained that Idris voluntarily surrendered the animals after the public expressed concern. He also clarified that Idris possessed a valid license to keep the animals and that they had not yet reached a stage where they posed significant danger.
“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,” Muhammad explained. “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 added that the law also sets conditions such as obtaining a license, creating a suitable habitat, and ensuring the animals are properly fed and kept safely.
“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,” he said.
“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.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, also confirmed that an investigation had been launched and that Idris had been invited for questioning regarding the matter.
The development triggered fear among residents. Some reported difficulty sleeping until authorities confirmed the python had been secured.
One resident, Aminu Balarabe, shared his concern: “We were sleeping with one eye open due to fear. Even if it’s still a cub, no one jokes with safety.”
Another resident, Hayatuddeen Muhammad, expressed disapproval over the presence of 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.
A further resident, Usman Yunusa, said he only learned about the animals after the news broke. “We had no idea they were being kept so close,” he said.
In a related development, a video recently circulated by Sahara Reporters shows Ahmed Idris playing casually with a monitor lizard at his residence. The video, which has gone viral, captures the former official in a relaxed setting with the reptile in what appears to be his living room.
Ahmed Idris was suspended from office in 2022 following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of embezzling ₦109.5 billion in public funds. He is currently standing trial for the alleged crime.
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