Kano LG chairman arrested for allegedly selling land meant for mini stadium

DDM News

Kano State, located in northern Nigeria, has long been a hub of economic and political activities.

With a rich history of commerce, governance, and cultural heritage, the state plays a significant role in the country’s development.

Over the years, efforts have been made to strengthen governance at all levels, including local government (LG) administration.

However, corruption remains a major challenge in Kano State, particularly at the LG level, where officials often handle large sums of public funds meant for community development.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission is one of the agencies tasked with ensuring accountability within the state’s governance structure.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that on Friday, February 28, 2025, the commission confirmed the arrest of the chairman of Kiru Local Government Area (LG), Abdullahi Mohammed.

He was arrested over allegations of selling public land originally allocated for the construction of Kafin Maiyaki mini stadium.

According to the commission’s public relations officer, Kabir Kabir, investigations revealed that the land was sold for over N100 million.

Rather than depositing the proceeds into the LG account, the chairman allegedly transferred the funds into his personal bank account.

Further findings showed that a company, Mahasum, was the buyer of the land, which had been earmarked for a public sports facility.

Kabir stated that between November 1, 2024, when Mohammed assumed office, and February 27, 2025, his personal account recorded transactions amounting to N240 million.

The commission has since recovered the entire sum as part of its ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Kano State.

The investigation seeks to determine the extent of the fraudulent land sale and ensure that those involved face justice.

The LG chairman is reportedly cooperating with the commission, providing details that may help uncover further irregularities.

Kabir emphasized that corruption at the LG level must be tackled to ensure resources meant for community development are not diverted for personal gain.

He stated that the commission remains committed to transparency, good governance, and the fight against financial misconduct.

“The commission is working to root out corruption and ensure accountability,” Kabir said.

He further noted that Mohammed remains in custody while investigations continue.

The alleged illegal sale of the land has sparked widespread concern among residents of Kiru LG.

Many citizens have expressed frustration over the misuse of public resources, particularly in local communities where development projects are scarce.

The situation has raised questions about the level of oversight on LG officials and the need for stricter monitoring mechanisms.

The Kano State government has been urged to implement stronger policies to prevent similar incidents in other LGAs.

Stakeholders believe that improved supervision of LG funds and assets will help curb the growing cases of financial mismanagement.

The anti-corruption commission has called on the public to report any suspicious activities within LG administrations.

Ensuring that LG projects are executed without interference from corrupt officials is crucial for grassroots development.

Public accountability, according to analysts, is the only way to build trust in governance and encourage economic growth at the local level.

The arrest of the LG chairman serves as a warning to other public office holders against diverting public resources for personal use.

Authorities have assured that justice will be served, and any other individuals found complicit in the case will face legal action.

With the suspect still under investigation, attention remains on how the case unfolds and whether stronger anti-corruption measures will be introduced in Kano State.

The case highlights the broader challenge of financial irregularities in LG governance across Nigeria.

It also emphasizes the need for consistent efforts in ensuring transparency and accountability at all levels of government.

As the investigation progresses, residents of Kiru LG hope that the recovered funds will be redirected toward meaningful community projects.

The Kano anti-corruption commission has reassured the public of its commitment to tackling corruption in all LGAs of the state.

The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar corruption cases are handled in the future.

For now, the focus remains on recovering any additional stolen funds and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

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