KANO, Nigeria — Tension gripped residents of Daneji and neighbouring communities in Kano State after a python reportedly escaped from the private residence of embattled former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, who is currently standing trial over a staggering ₦109.5 billion fraud.
The startling incident triggered widespread panic, forcing authorities to intervene swiftly. The python, along with other exotic wild animals—including a lion cub and a crocodile—was successfully evacuated and transferred to the Kano Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency for public safety.
Confirming the incident during a radio interview on Thursday, the Managing Director of the agency, Sadik Kura Muhammad, said the python’s unexpected escape from Idris’ home caused a wave of fear across densely populated communities such as Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki.
“We received distress reports after the python was seen slithering out of the former AGF’s compound. Residents were understandably alarmed. After visiting the location, we confirmed the presence of several wild animals including a crocodile and a lion cub,” Muhammad revealed.
He added that the animals have since been securely relocated to the Kano Zoo.
Muhammad noted that Ahmed Idris possessed a valid license to keep the animals in his home under the provisions of the Wild Animal Law of Kano State. However, given growing public concern and the risks associated with keeping such creatures in a residential area, Idris voluntarily surrendered the animals to the government.
“There’s a law that permits individuals to own certain wildlife species, whether endangered or not,” he explained. “But there are conditions—such as proper habitat, feeding, and safety provisions—plus the license must be renewed annually. Once any animal reaches a potentially dangerous stage, it must be relocated to the zoo.”
He added, “When we assessed the lion cub, it hadn’t reached a dangerous stage. Still, due to growing anxiety in the neighbourhood, the owner agreed to hand them over for the greater good.”
The operation to remove the animals was carried out discreetly at night to avoid further agitation.
The Kano State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the matter. He said Ahmed Idris has been invited for questioning to clarify how and why such exotic creatures were being kept in a densely populated urban residence.
Daily Trust reports that some residents expressed shock and fear, stating they couldn’t sleep soundly until the python was confirmed captured.
A visibly shaken resident, Aminu Balarabe, told reporters, “We had known for a while that wild animals were kept there, but this was the first time one escaped. We were sleeping with one eye open. Even if it’s just a cub, it’s a serious safety risk.”
Another resident, Hayatuddeen Muhammad, criticized the idea of housing wild animals in residential areas. “That house is surrounded by other homes. Wild animals should never be kept so close to people. Though Idris is known to be a generous neighbour, this was reckless.”
A third resident, Usman Yunusa, said he was unaware that such animals were being kept just streets away from his home until the escape made the news. “It’s terrifying. What if that python had made its way to someone’s bed at night?”
Amidst the growing controversy, a video surfaced showing Idris playing affectionately with a large monitor lizard inside his home. The footage, published by SaharaReporters, shows the former official relaxed and smiling as the reptile crawled freely in what appears to be his living room.
The video has since gone viral, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief and outrage on social media over his domestic zoo and the alleged looting charges hanging over his head.
Ahmed Idris, who served as the Accountant General during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, was suspended in 2022 after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested him over alleged embezzlement and money laundering totalling ₦109.5 billion.
While he awaits the continuation of his trial, the python episode has thrust him back into the national spotlight—this time not for financial controversy, but for an unexpected and chilling brush with wildlife.
PIONEER NEWS 