The Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested members of a syndicate involved in land racketeering, including security agents and some government officials.
The Commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Rimingado, announced this during a town hall meeting organized by the Anti-graft agency on Tuesday.
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Muhuyi, who declined to name those involved, however, expressed the commitment of the Agency to prosecuting those found wanting in the illegal activities, irrespective of their position or influence in the state.
According to him, the syndicate operated in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, security agencies, judiciary staff, and the Ministry of Justice.
“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 said.
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.
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“In some cases, the fraudsters secure fake papers from the state 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 said.
During the Town Hall meeting, the chairman of the Commission stressed 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.
“I have encountered numerous methods of corruption, but we remain resolute in combating them.”
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The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, represented by Barrister Mustapha Muhammad, commended the agency for its unwavering efforts in fighting corruption and pledged continued support for its activities.
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.
