Kano anti-graft agency uncovers N1bn diverted palliative

The Kano State Anti-Corruption Agency revealed on Tuesday the discovery of a warehouse storing diverted palliative rice valued at N1bn.

The agency said the warehouse, located along Ring Road in the Nasarawa Local Government Area, was sealed during an operation led by its Chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado.

According to the agency, bags of rice with the picture of President Bola Tinubu and the inscription ‘Ramadan Kareem’ were found in the warehouse.

Speaking to newsmen after the operation, Rimin-Gado said the facility was stockpiled with 28 trucks of the rice allegedly diverted by some individuals for re-bagging.

The chairman said the diversion of the commodity was an illegal and corrupt act which would not be condoned by the 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 temerity to come and start re-bagging it.

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“We recovered a re-bagging machine for repacking and re-bagging rice meant for the public.

“So, we are here based on investigative activities. We are armed with our search warrant, arrest warrant and court order,” Rimin-Gado said.

He said the agency would conduct a thorough investigation with a view to uncovering those behind the theft.

“For now, we have arrested one person and we will make sure we uncover those behind it and forestall these kinds of activities,” he said.