The Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested members of a syndicate involved in land racketeering, including security agents and government officials.
The Commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Rimingado, announced this during a town hall meeting organised by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday.
Rimingado, who declined to name those involved, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prosecuting individuals implicated in the illegal activities, regardless of their positions 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, forges new ones, and replaces the originals.
“These fraudulent documents are often supported by corrupt officials, making it difficult for victims to reclaim their lands,” Rimingado explained.
He detailed the syndicate’s tactics, which include deceiving courts with fake legal documents, presenting forged evidence, and obtaining court orders to claim ownership of lands.
“In some cases, the fraudsters secure fake documents from the state Fire Service, claiming that the original documents were destroyed in a fire incident, to further deceive the courts.
“We recently exposed a case where these fraudsters misled the court with forged documents, and we had to bring the matter to the judge’s attention,” he added.
Rimingado also highlighted the involvement of security personnel in these crimes, emphasizing 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, Rimingado stressed the importance of public sensitisation in combating corruption.
“The commission frequently organises town hall meetings to educate citizens about the dangers of corruption. Over my decade-long leadership at the commission, I have encountered numerous methods of corruption, but we remain resolute in combating them,” he noted.
The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, represented by Mustapha Muhammad, commended the agency for its relentless efforts in fighting corruption and pledged continued support for its initiatives.
The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Film Censorship Board, Abba El-Mustapha, also lauded the commission’s work, assuring that the Kannywood industry would continue to educate the public about the dangers of corruption.
During the event, school bags were distributed to over 150 pupils and individuals and organisations were also recognised for their contributions to the fight against corruption.
The Chief Judge, 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, Rabi Ibrahim Waya, and Auwal Dankode—an aviation staff member who found $10,000 in an aircraft. Dankode was also awarded a cash prize of ₦100,000.
