Anti-graft Agency uncovers N1bn Tinubu’s palliatives rice in Kano
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Agency has uncovered N1 billion worth President Bola Tinubu’s palliatives rice meant for distribution during last year’s Ramadan fast at a warehouse on Ring Road, Kano.
Malam Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, the Executive Chairman of the agency told newsmen on Tuesday in Kano that the warehouse had been sealed for a through investigation.
Rimin-Gado said that the warehouse was stockpiled with 28 trucks of the rice allegedly diverted by some individuals found re-bagging the commodity.
He said the rice was re-bagged into different brands meant to be circulated and sold in different markets in the state.
He said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the matter, while investigation would commence to fish out those behind the scam.
The executive chairman said diversion of the commodity was an illegal and corrupt act which would not be condoned by the anti-graft 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 rebagging machine for repacking and rebagging rice meant for the public.
“So, we are here based on investigation activities. We are armed with our search warrant, arrest warrant and court order.
“Thorough investigation will continue to uncover those behind it. For now, we have arrested one and we will make sure we uncover those behind it and forestall these kinds of activities,”he said.
He said their action was backed by a court order and would ensure that all the legal procedures were taken to deal with the case.
Our Correspondent observed that the rice carried President Bola Tinubu’s picture with an inscription:”Ramadan Kareem” believed to be meant for distribution as palliatives during last year’s Ramadan fast.
