Kano inquiry commission seeks truth, not trial – Justice Adamu

The Honorable Justice Faruk Lawan Adamu, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Recovery of Misappropriated Public Properties and Assets from May 2015 to May 2023 in Kano State, clarified that the commission’s establishment was not for the purpose of witch-hunting or prosecuting individuals. Instead, its mandate is to conduct a fact-finding mission. 

He made this statement during the commission’s inaugural session in Kano on Monday.

“The commission’s objective is not to pursue witch-hunts or prosecutions. Rather, we are on a fact-finding mission, and upon concluding our investigation, we will present a set of recommendations to the state government for potential implementation,” he said.

Justice Adamu assured everyone that the commission would act justly and provide a fair hearing to all involved parties, whether they be individuals, companies, agencies, or entities. 

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He also invited anyone with valuable information or contributions that could aid the commission’s work to submit it in writing for verification. Subsequently, they may be summoned to testify before the commission in person. He reiterated the commission’s role in serving and safeguarding public interest.

“I  appealed to the public and the media to extend their utmost support and cooperation to the commission and cautioned against politicizing its efforts, as such actions could hinder the success of its fact-finding mission.”

Justice Adamu welcomed attendees to the inaugural session of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which precedes the upcoming public hearings.

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“The commission was inaugurated by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Ante-Chamber, Government House, Kano. The members are as follows: Hon. Justice Faruk Lawan Adamu, Chairman, Barr. Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, Membe, Hamza Madaki, Member, M.H. Gano, Member, Arch. Ibrahim Yakubu (MD KNUPDA), Membe, CSP Salisu Mohammed (Representative of the Nigeria Police Force), Member, DC Yahaya Garba (Representative of the Nigerian Security & Civil Defence), Member, Ibrahim Garba Kagara (Representative of ICPC, Kano), Member, Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano, Member, Com. Kabiru Dakata (Representative of Civil Society), Member, Com. Ibrahim U. Aikawa (Representative of Trade Unions), Member and Salisu Mustapha, Secretary.”

The commission’s terms of reference are: To review the sale, disposal, or allocation of all government-owned properties, including institutional buildings, schools, hospitals, prayer grounds, historical sites, monuments, graveyards, and other open spaces within Kano Urban Area or other urban lands belonging to Kano State from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.”

“To assess the sale, disposal, or allocation of all government-owned offices, houses, workshops, and any other public buildings or lands belonging to the state or local government councils, both within and outside the state, from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.”

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“To determine the cost or value at which such transactions were made and to estimate the current market value of these properties.”

“To identify the individuals, companies, agencies, or entities to whom such transactions were made, whether the properties have changed hands, and if so, to whom.

“To evaluate the appropriateness of such transactions and make suitable recommendations.

To ascertain if any abuses occurred during these transactions and to identify the officials or persons responsible for such abuses.”