The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested one Tasiu Adamu Maje over alleged illegal siale and leasing of a government-owned Horse Stable at the Race Course, popularly known as Filin Sukuwa, Kano.
The arrest followed an investigation prompted by complaints lodged by one Muhammad Amir Yunusa and Usman Bala Yakasai (Sharif), who alleged that the suspect transferred and offered the property to private individuals without lawful authority.
This was contained in statement signed and issued by Hafsat Ada’u Kutama Esq, Acting Chairman, Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) Kano State, Nigeria
The Commission’s investigation revealed that the purported transactions were carried out without the knowledge or approval of the Kano State Sports Commission, the statutory body responsible for the allocation and management of Horse Stables in the State.
In the course of its investigation, the Commission invited and interviewed individuals connected to the transactions and established that the Kano State Sports Commission was not aware of, and did not authorise, any transaction involving the Horse Stable.
That the Horse Stable has not been officially allocated to any individual, whether by sale or by lease.
The document relied upon by the suspect in the purported transaction was found not to be an approved or recognised document of the Kano State Sports Commission.
The same unapproved document was allegedly used in transactions involving two different individuals.
The sale, lease or transfer of government-owned Horse Stables to private persons without the requisite approval is contrary to established government policy and applicable administrative procedures.
The suspect allegedly agreed to sell the Horse Stable to Muhammad Amir Yunusa for ₦4.5 million, while simultaneously collecting rent from Usman Bala Yakasai in the sum of ₦180,000, of which ₦150,000 was reportedly paid.
Following its investigation, the Commission has determined that the purported transactions involving the Horse Stable were unauthorised and invalid and the property remains the property of the Kano State Government and is under the control and management of the Kano State Sports Commission.
The Commission therefore reiterates that no individual has the authority to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of government property without the appropriate legal and administrative approval.
The Commission is taking steps to recover the Horse Stable and return it to the Kano State Sports Commission.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the allegations against him will be subjected to due process.
The Commission will also pursue all appropriate administrative and legal measures in accordance with the law, all persons who may attempt to convert government property into private assets or a source of personal profit that such conduct will not be tolerated.
Government property is not for private sale, unauthorised leasing or personal gain.
The Commission will continue to investigate allegations of unlawful disposal, transfer or commercialisation of public assets and will take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of status.
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution before entering into any transaction involving government property. Prospective buyers, tenants and investors should verify the ownership, allocation and legal status of the property directly with the relevant government authority before making any payment or entering into any agreement.
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding government property, preventing the abuse of public assets, and promoting accountability, transparency and responsible management of public resources.
Members of the public are urged to report suspected acts of corruption, abuse of office, illegal disposal of government property and other forms of misconduct through the Commission’s official reporting channels.
