Former Kano State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Idris Wada Saleh, and five others have been arrested over allegations of N1 billion fraud by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Saleh who was also the Managing Director, Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA), was arrested with the Permanent Secretary, Public Procurement Bureau, Mustapha Madaki Huguma; Director of Finance, Director of Research and Planning on Monday evening for allegedly withdrawing over a N1billion for the rehabilitation of 30 roads and drainage in the metropolis that was not carried out.
Already the former officials were being interrogated and to be prosecuted immediately the investigation was completed.
The N1billion was reportedly withdrawn in three batches, paid into accounts of three companies namely North Stone Construction Company Nig. Ltd, Arafat Multiresources Ltd and 1st Step Construction Ltd around April 25th, 2023, while those arrested have made confessional statements of payment for jobs not done. according to a source.
A source in the commission revealed that “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.’’
It would be recalled that the reinstated chairman of the anti-graft commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magajin Rimin-Gado, last week said he would revisit the investigation against Ganduje on some controversial videos.
Rimin-Gado was removed from former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje after some altercation.
He was returned to his duty post by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and said the probe of Ganduje was necessary.
