February 13, (THEWILL) – The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested 15 individuals over alleged involvement in land grabbing schemes across the state.
Chairman of the commission, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on Thursday.
According to him, those apprehended include three lawyers, four officials from the state Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, and eight other individuals linked to the illicit activities.
“Five of the suspects are still in our custody based on remand orders obtained from the court, while the rest have been released,” Rimin-Gado said.
The chairman described Kano as one of Nigeria’s most valuable real estate hubs, comparable to Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. He attributed the rise in land-related crimes to the high demand for property in the state.
“We have uncovered a syndicate that specializes in grabbing public land. What is particularly disturbing is the involvement of some lawyers, court clerks, land registry officials, and even security agents who have compromised the system,” he stated.
Rimin-Gado revealed that the syndicate operated by forging government documents, securing fraudulent court judgments, and using these rulings to seize public and private properties.
“This is a sophisticated criminal network that we are determined to dismantle. Their activities involve forging official documents such as the Kano State Government letter of grant and the Kano State Bureau of Land Management letter of grant,” he explained.
The commission, he said, has launched a full-scale investigation into the scandal and vowed that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
“With the support of the judiciary and the Executive Governor of Kano State, we are committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,”Rimin-Gado assured.
He commended the Kano High Court, under the leadership of Hon. Justice Dije Aboki, for facilitating the investigation by granting search and arrest warrants, emphasizing the court’s role in promoting transparency and accountability.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
