Katsina anti-corruption commission investigates 15 councillors, 6 community development officers
The Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission says it is investigating 15 councillors and six community development officers over alleged extortion of up to N46.06 million from beneficiaries of government subsidised fertiliser in the state.
The commission also said it was investigating some state government officials for alleged misappropriation of N136.1 million, and four school principals.
A statement by the commission indicated that four of the six community development officers being investigated are from Faskari local government area, and one each from Funtua and Musawa LGAs, while eight of the councillors are from Matazu, five from Musawa and two from Malumfashi LGAs.
The Commission’s Secretary, Mr Jamilu Abdulsalam, who issued the statement on Friday in Katsina said preliminary findings showed that the suspects took various sums illegally from the beneficiaries during the distribution of the fertiliser conducted under the state Community Development Programme (CDP).
“The combined alleged extortion by the CDOs and councillors exceeds N46 million. Some have admitted their roles and even begun making refunds.bOthers remain under investigation, and the Commission is pursuing all lawful means to ensure accountability and recovery of the public funds,” he said.
In a related development, the commission is investigating alleged misappropriation in the Katsina State Department of Banking and Finance involving more than N136.1 million.
He explained that N31.8 million was verified as properly expended, leaving N104.3 million as the allegedly misappropriated sum.
“So far, the commission has recovered over N70 million. Efforts continue to recover the balance and ensure accountability,” he said.
The Secretary assured that the allegations were being investigated with utmost seriousness and professionalism, and said the commission remained committed to protecting public resources, promoting accountability, and upholding transparency and integrity.
“Members of the public are strongly encouraged to report corruption, financial misconduct, abuse of office, and related matters for investigation and necessary action,” Abdulsalam added.
Meanwhile, four secondary school principals are also being investigated by the commission.
“They allegedly mismanaged more than N6.6 million, while one of them is also accused of selling school property,” he said.
