The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Agency on Tuesday sealed a warehouse where the federal government palliatives rice worth over N1 billion was stored.
The warehouse, located along Ring Road in Nasarawa Local Government Area, was sealed during an operation led by the Executive Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado.
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The bags with President Bola Tinubu’s picture with an inscription:”Ramadan Kareem” are alleged to be meant for distribution as palliatives during last year’s Ramadan fast.
Speaking to newsmen after the operation, Rimin-Gado said the facility was stockpiled with 28 trucks of the rice allegedly diverted by some individuals found re-bagging the commodity.
According to him, the rice was re-bagged into different brands meant to be circulated and sold in different markets in the state.
He said one person had been arrested in connection with the matter, while investigation would commence to fish out those behind the illegal act.
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The chairman said diversion of the commodity is an illegal and corrupt act which would not be condoned by the agency.
“In a nutshell, this is a clear form of corruption because this is a property meant for the public. Considering the hardship we have today, somebody has the liver to come and start rebagging it.
“We recovered a re-bagging machine for repacking and re bagging rice meant for the public.
“So, we are here based on investigative activities. We are armed with our search warrant, arrest warrant and court order,” Rimin-Gado said.
He said the agency would conduct a thorough investigation with a view to uncover those behind it.
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“For now, we have arrested one person and we will make sure we uncover those behind it and forestall these kinds of activities,”he said.
He said the action of the agency was backed by a court order and would ensure that all the legal procedures were taken to deal with the case.
