Kano Anti-Graft Agency Uncovers N18Billion Siphoned by Politicians and Civil Servants

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has revealed a massive corruption scandal involving the siphoning of N18billion by politicians in collaboration with civil servants.

This revelation was made by the commission's chairman, Bar. Muhuyi Rimingado, during a one-day capacity-building workshop organized in partnership with the office of the Kano State Head of Civil Service and International IDEA (ROLAC II Programme).

Rimingado disclosed that "90% of corrupt practices are perpetrated through procurement processes," highlighting the critical role civil servants play in these illicit activities. He emphasized the need to sensitize civil servants against being used by politicians to break the law.

"They are caught in the middle of corrupt practices. All the ground corrupt practices the agency is investigating in Kano, civil servants are the ingredients and tools in the hands of those elements who operate at a high level," he stated.

The workshop aimed to educate civil service directors on anti-corruption laws, public procurement and financial management to prevent future occurrences. Rimingado warned that any civil servant found involved in corruption would face severe penalties.

"We want to warn them and caution them about the consequences of corrupt acts. Whoever is found in any case of corruption will be penalized. We are determined to impose the zero tolerance to corruption principle of state government," he asserted.

Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, condemned the previous administration for looting the state's treasury over eight years. "They spent all the eight years looting the state’s money," Yusuf lamented. He urged civil service directors to shun corruption and embrace honesty and dedication for the state's development.

The Head of Civil Service, Abdullahi Musa, also addressed the participants, urging them to serve as good role models and ensure the judicious use of public resources. "As directors in the civil service who were entrusted to manage public resources to ensure judicious and effective utilization for the benefit of all, they should serve as good role models to their subordinates and also join hands to stamp out the menace of corruption," Musa said.