In a recent development, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has detained a key suspect believed to be involved in the misappropriation of over N4 billion of state government funds. The individual in question is also reported to be the founder of a non-government organization, Association of Compassionate Friends, and the sole signatory of a business account owned by Limestone Processing Link.
The announcement was made by the PCACC on Thursday in Kano, specifying that the bank accounts of both the Association of Compassionate Friends and Limestone Processing Link were instrumental in the alleged diversion of state government’s resources.
The suspect was apprehended following his illegal entry into warehouses that were legally seized and sealed by the PCACC, a violation of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Law (2008). The confiscation and subsequent sealing of the warehouses was carried out by the PCACC following a court order in relation to the alleged misappropriation of over N4 billion. This amount had been granted to the Kano Agricultural Supply Company by the state.
The suspect’s son, who is also a co-signatory to the Association of Compassionate Friends’ bank account, is currently in custody. The commission reported that a total of N3.27 billion of Kano State’s funds were diverted through this account.
The PCACC emphasized that while the Association of Compassionate Friends is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, its charter does not authorize it to conduct any form of commercial operations.
Additionally, the commission accused the suspects of diverting N480 million through the Limestone Processing Link’s bank account, which is managed by the founder of the Association of Compassionate Friends. Of this, N400 million was reportedly used to establish a fixed deposit account under the name of the principal suspect.
The PCACC has announced that the suspects will be brought to court in due course.
SOURCE: Daily Nigerian
IMAGE: PCACC
