The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested one Tasiu Adamu-Maje over the alleged sale and leasing of a government-owned horse stable at the Race Course, Kano
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Race Course is popularly known as Filin Sukuwa.
The commission’s acting Chairman, Hafsat Ada’u-Kutama, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Kano.
Ada’u-Kutama said the arrest followed an investigation prompted by complaints lodged by Muhammad Amir Yunusa and Usman Bala Yakasai (Sharif), who alleged that the suspect transferred and offered the property to private individuals without lawful authority.
The acting chairman said investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly agreed to sell the horse stable to Muhammad Amir Yunusa for ₦4.5 million, while simultaneously collecting rent of ₦180,000 from Usman Bala Yakasai, of which ₦150,000 was reportedly paid.
She said the commission’s investigation revealed that the purported transactions were carried out without the knowledge or approval of the Kano State Sports Commission, the statutory body responsible for the allocation and management of horse stables in the state.
According to her, the commission is taking steps to recover the horse stable and return it to the Kano State Sports Commission.
“The suspect is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the allegations against him will be subjected to due process.
“The commission will also pursue all appropriate administrative and legal measures in accordance with the law,” she said.
Ada’u-Kutama added that in the course of its investigation, the commission invited and interviewed individuals connected to the transactions and established the following:
“The Kano State Sports Commission was not aware of, and did not authorise, any transaction involving the horse stable.
“The document relied upon by the suspect in the purported transaction was found not to be an approved or recognised document of the Kano State Sports Commission.
“The property remains the property of the Kano State Government and is under the control and management of the Kano State Sports Commission.
“The commission, therefore, reiterates that no individual has the authority to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of government property without the appropriate legal and administrative approval,” she said.
The anti-graft boss, however, warned that the commission would not tolerate any person, irrespective of status, who attempts to convert government property into private assets or a source of personal profit.
She also advised the public, prospective buyers, tenants and investors to always verify the ownership, allocation and legal status of any property directly with the relevant government authority before making payment or entering into any agreement.
Ada’u-Kutama urged the public to report suspected acts of corruption, abuse of office, illegal disposal of government property and other forms of misconduct through the commission’s official reporting channels. (NAN)
