Ganduje’s Ex-commissioner, others arrested over alleged N1bn fraud

The State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested the former commissioner to Kano State Governor, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, and four others over allegations of N1billion fraud.

The reinstated anti graft czar in the State, Barr Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado had promised that all those accused of bribery and corruption would pay for their sins.

This has now resulted in the arrest and detention of the former commissioner for works and infrastructure, Engr Idris Wada Saleh and five others over allegations of N1billion fraud.

The commissioner, who was also the Managing Director, Kano Road Maintenance Agency, the Permanent Secretary, Public Procurement Bureau, Mustapha Madaki Huguma, the Director of Finance, the Director of Research and Planning, among others, were arrested on Monday evening over allegation of withdrawing over N1billion for the rehabilitation of 30 roads and drainage in the metropolis, projects that were allegedly not carried out.

A source at the commission disclosed that the money which was withdrawn in three tranches was paid into account of three companies in April 2023.

“Surprisingly the Public Procurement Bureau even issued a certificate of no objection for the contract after the payment was made ten days earlier which is against the Procurement Act 2021.

‘’The Due Process office said the certificate of no objection was issued because Kano Road Maintenance Agency said the rehabilitation of the roads would be carried out through direct labour but the papers submitted read otherwise,’’ the source said.

Spokesman of the commission, Abba Kabir confirmed that those arrested are undergoing interrogation and would be arraigned before the court immediately investigation is completed.