Kano anti-corruption commission arrests land racketeering syndicate including security agents

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested members of a syndicate involved in land racketeering, including security agents and some government officials.

PCACC Chairman, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado announced this during a town hall meeting organized by the commission on Tuesday.

SolaceBase reports that Rimingado expressed the commission’s commitment to prosecuting those found wanting in the illegal activities, irrespective of their position or influence.

 According to him, the syndicate operated through collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, security agencies, judiciary staff, and the Ministry of Justice.

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“We have uncovered a syndicate that steals original land documents from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, forged new ones, and replaced the originals. These fraudulent documents are often supported by corrupt officials, making it difficult for victims to reclaim their lands,” Rimingado stated.

He highlighted the syndicate’s tactics, which include deceiving the courts by initiating fake legal documents, presenting forged documents as evidence, and obtaining court orders to claim ownership of lands.

In some cases, the fraudsters secure fake papers from the fire service, claiming that original documents were destroyed in a fire incident, to further deceive the courts.

“We recently exposed a case where these fraudsters deceived the court with forged documents, and we had to bring the matter to the judge’s attention,” Rimingado added.

He also warned about the involvement of security personnel in these crimes, stressing that no one is above the law. “We are determined to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in land racketeering, regardless of their rank or affiliation,” he declared.

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During the meeting, Rimingado emphasized the importance of public sensitization in combating corruption.

He noted that the commission frequently organizes town hall meetings to educate citizens about the dangers of corruption. Reflecting on his decade-long leadership at the commission, he said, “I have encountered numerous methods of corruption, but we remain resolute in combating them.”

The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, represented by Barrister Mustapha Hassan Muhammad, commended the PCACC for its unwavering efforts in fighting corruption and pledged continued support for its activities.

Similarly, Abba El-Mustapha, Executive Secretary, Kano State Film Censorship Board, praised the commission’s work and assured that the Kannywood industry would continue to educate the public about the dangers of corruption.

The event also featured the distribution of school bags to over 150 pupils as directed by Gov Abba Kabir Yusuf because the pupils missed out during the distribution of school bags last Tuesday at the anti-corruption day celebration held at the coronation hall.

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Also, there was recognition of individuals and organizations for their contributions to the fight against corruption. Justice Dije Aboki was honoured with the Integrity Award and named Anti-Corruption Icon of the Year.

Other awardees include ACP Sulaiman Aliyu Gusau, CSP Sunday Ekwe, CSP Nasir Gusau, Salisu T. Balarabe, Barrister Rabi Ibrahim Waya, Auwal Dankode, an aviation staff who found $10,000 in an aircraft (who also received a cash prize of ₦100,000), and Abba El-Mustapha. All were recognized for their excellence and commitment to integrity in the state.