Despite warning from the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, was confirmed to have valid licences to keep wild animals in his private residence in Kano, including a python and a lion cub.

The Kano Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency confirmed recently that Idris was legally permitted to keep the animals, even as public outrage continues to mount following the recent escape of a python from his house in Daneji, a densely populated area in Kano Municipal Local Government.

Speaking during a radio interview, the Managing Director of the Kano Zoo, Sadik Kura Muhammad, said the former AGF was authorised under Nigeria’s Wild Animal Law to keep certain species in a private facility, provided they met safety and regulatory conditions.

“There is a law that permits individuals to keep wild animals at home. However, endangered species like parrots and vultures must be kept in zoos to support their survival,” Muhammad explained.

He added that the animals had not yet matured to dangerous levels but were evacuated as a precaution after panic gripped residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

“When I heard about the situation, I verified the license and confirmed the lion was still a cub. But once these animals mature, they must be moved to the zoo. That’s why the license must be renewed annually to ensure safety,” he said.

Residents panic

However, the public anxiety escalated when the python reportedly escaped from Idris’ compound, triggering panic across Daneji, Mandawari, Kabara, Soron Dinki, and other nearby areas.

“Since the python escaped, everyone has been living in fear. All the other animals in the house were evacuated on Tuesday,” said a resident, Nurulhaq Kabir Muhammad, in an interview with Arewa PUNCH.

Another resident, Rabi’u Isma’il, said parents have stopped allowing their children to play outside, while Aisha Lawal, a mother of three, appealed to authorities to act swiftly before any tragedy occurred.

In response to the public outcry, the Kano Zoo said it carried out a quiet night-time operation to remove the animals from Idris’ residence.

“We conducted the evacuation at night, so there is no cause for alarm. The animals are now under our care and in good condition,” Muhammad stated.

Police invitation

Meanwhile, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, confirmed that the former AGF has been invited for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into the matter.

The incident has also drawn the attention of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, who issued a stern warning to Idris to immediately evacuate the animals from the city centre.

The Emir gave the warning after receiving a delegation from Daneji Quarters who visited the palace to express their fears and frustration over the presence of dangerous animals in their neighbourhood.

He warned that the former AGF would be held responsible if any resident is harmed.

The python reportedly escaped last Sunday from Idris’ country home, causing widespread panic in the city centre and raising concerns about wildlife control in residential areas.

Idris, who served under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently facing trial over an alleged N100 billion fraud filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).