Kano State Public Complaints and Anti Corruption Commission has arrested and detained former governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Idris Wada Saleh and five others over allegation of N1 billion fraud.
The commissioner who was also the Managing Director of the Kano Road Maintenance Agency, was arrested along with the Permanent Secretary of the Public Procurement Bureau, Mustapha Madaki Huguma; the Director of Finance, the Director of Research and Planning, and others on Monday evening for allegedly withdrawing over N1 billion for the rehabilitation of 30 roads and drainage in the Kano metropolis, which were not carried out.
A source at the commission told SOLACEBASE that the money, which was withdrawn in three batches was paid into the account of three companies around April 25th, 2023.
“Surprisingly the Public Procurement Bureau even issued certificate of no objection for the contract after the payment was made 10 days earlier which is contrary to the Kano State Procurement act 2021,” the source said.
According to one of the sources, those arrested have made confessional statement of payment for jobs not done.
“The companies are bogus having almost the same letterhead without tentative office.”
“The Due Process office said the certificate of no objection was issued because the Kano Road Maintenance Agency said the rehabilitation of the roads would be carried out through direct labour but the papers submitted read otherwise.”
The companies are North Stone Construction Company Nig. Ltd, Arfat Multiresources Ltd and 1st Step Construction Ltd.
The spokesperson of the Commission, Abba Kabir confirmed to SOLACEBASE that those arrested are undergoing interrogation and would be arraign before the court immediately investigation is completed.
