The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested one Tasiu Adamu Maje over the alleged illegal sale and leasing of a government-owned Horse Stable at the Race Course, popularly known as Filin Sukuwa, in Kano.
PCACC said the arrest followed complaints lodged by Muhammad Amir Yunusa and Usman Bala Yakasai (Sharif), who alleged that Maje transferred and offered the government property to private individuals without lawful authority.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Chairman of PCACC, Hafsat Ada’u Kutama, the Commission’s investigation established that the purported transactions were conducted without the knowledge or approval of the Kano State Sports Commission, the statutory body responsible for the allocation and management of Horse Stables in the state.
The investigation further revealed that the Horse Stable had not been officially allocated to any individual, either through sale or lease.
PCACC said the document allegedly relied upon by the suspect in the transactions was neither an approved nor recognised document of the Kano State Sports Commission.
The Commission also alleged that the same unapproved document was used in transactions involving two different individuals.
It said Maje allegedly agreed to sell the Horse Stable to Muhammad Amir Yunusa for N4.5 million while simultaneously collecting rent from Usman Bala Yakasai, who reportedly paid N150,000 out of an agreed N180,000.
PCACC declared the transactions unauthorized and invalid, stressing that the property remains owned by the Kano State Government and under the control and management of the Kano State Sports Commission.
The Commission said it was taking steps to recover the property and return it to the Sports Commission.
It added that the suspect would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the allegations against him would be subjected to due process.
PCACC warned individuals against converting government property into private assets or using public property for personal financial gain, stressing that government assets could not be sold, leased or transferred without the required legal and administrative approvals.
The Commission also advised members of the public to verify the ownership, allocation and legal status of government property directly with the relevant authorities before making payments or entering into agreements.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public assets, promoting accountability and transparency, and investigating alleged corruption, abuse of office and illegal disposal of government property in Kano State.
