Muhuyi with his officials sampling the diverted bags of FG palliative rice intercepted in a warehouse in Kano.
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
*Also, Kano man nabbed for fraudulent transaction for two cartons of spaghetti
One person has been arrested, while 28 trucks of diverted Federal Government palliatives rice were intercepted in Kano on Tuesday while undergoing the process of repackaging.
The market value of the diverted trucks of 50kg bags of palliative rice was put at N1.4 billion.
The chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, Bar. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado led the string operation that uncovered a warehouse at the Western Bye-pass axis of the Kano metropolis, where the trucks of branded palliative rice were being re-bagged for sale in the open commercial market.
The rice bags branded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s portrait, made for free distribution, were being re-packaged with commercial bags.
Muhuyi revealed that about 28 trucks of rice worth more than N1.4bn were uncovered.
He said, “We have uncovered a serious case of mismanagement and diversion of public goods. These palliatives were meant for the poor and vulnerable, but unfortunately, some individuals are trying to profit from the people’s suffering.
“One suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute all those involved.
“The Commission will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for this act of corruption are brought to justice. We are also working to recover the palliatives and ensure their proper distribution to the intended beneficiaries.”
Also, Kano man nabbed for fraudulent transaction for two cartons of spaghetti
Police in Kano have arrested Aminu Abdullahi (50), a resident of Kofar Nassarawa Quarters, Kano, for using fake bank alerts to purchase two cartons of spaghetti valued at N35,000.
Aminu would be charged for impersonation, fraud and theft.
According to Kano Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa,
On November 22, 2024, police received a report from one Sunusi Aminu, of Gwale Quarters Kano, that on the same date, one Aminu went to his Shop, presented himself as a younger brother to Sheikh Dr Abdallah Usman Gadon Kaya, collected two cartons of spaghetti valued N35,000:00 and manoeuvred a fake alert on his phone.
Having presented himself as a brother to the revered Sheikh, the shop owner allowed Aminu to go without seeing the transaction alert.
However, after the suspect left, the shop owner checked his account balance, and there was no such transaction.
On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Salman Dogo Garba raised and instructed a team led by SP Abdulrahim Adamu, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Gwale Division to launch an investigation.
The team immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect.
During the preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed that he was neither a brother nor a relative of Sheikh Dr Abdallah Gadon Kaya and agreed to manoeuvre the fake alert.
Aminu confessed to having used the same dubious formula to have stolen from That, having heard from various shops, since he has a striking resemblance with the popular Islamic cleric.
He confessed to having fraudulently collected goods worth over N2 million.
Kiyawa further revealed that after Aminu’s arrest, a total of 20 Complainants have lodged complaints against him, which he confessed to having deceived, defrauded, and went away with their valuables.
The Commissioner of Police directed that the case be transferred to the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for discreet investigation.
“Whoever recognizes the person and has a complaint about him can come to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters through the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), or contact the investigation team through 08166999948.,” Kiyawa added.
The suspect will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police appreciated the good people of Kano State for their prayers, support, encouragement, and cooperation.
He advised residents to be wary of impostors, fraudsters, and scammers and report suspicious transactions. In case of emergencies or suspicious person(s) and item(s).
Kano State Police Command can be contacted through the following phone numbers; 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.