Key Points
- Warehouse stocked with palliative rice worth over ₦1 billion sealed.
- Bags of rice meant for Ramadan were being re-branded for sale.
- Kano agency vows thorough investigation to expose perpetrators.
A warehouse housing rice valued at over 1 billion naira was shut by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Agency on Tuesday. The rice was purportedly taken from palliative stocks meant for public distribution.
Warehouse stocked with palliative rice sealed in Kano
Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, the executive chairman of the agency, oversaw the operation that sealed the warehouse, which is situated along Ring Road in the Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Reports that rice intended for disadvantaged residents had been diverted and was being packed for sale prompted the operation.
Hundreds of bags of rice bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu and the words “Ramadan Kareem” were found by officials inside the warehouse. According to reports, the rice was set aside for distribution during the previous year’s Ramadan fast in order to alleviate suffering during the holy month.
Investigators said, however, that the palliatives were not being given to the designated recipients because the goods were being repackaged under new labels for sale in Kano marketplaces.
Rimin-Gado called the diversion a blatant act of corruption when speaking to reporters on the site. Since they are goods intended for the general public, corruption is evident in this case. It is disgusting that someone would have the gall to re-bag and sell them, especially in light of the difficulties people are currently suffering,” he remarked.
A re-bagging equipment was also found by the agency; according to officials, it was being used to repackage the rice under different brands. The inquiry is still ongoing, Rimin-Gado said, adding that one suspect was taken into custody during the operation.
“We have a search warrant, an arrest warrant, and a court order with us,” he stated. “This is a component of our investigative efforts to retrieve public resources that have been stolen.”
Anti-corruption chief vows justice for diverted palliatives
According to punch, the head of the agency promised a comprehensive investigation to find and bring charges against all those participating in the illicit plot. Additionally, he promised the public that every effort would be made to ensure justice.
“We’re determined to find the perpetrators of this crime and stop it from happening again,” he continued. “We will make sure that all legal procedures are followed in handling this case, and for the time being, one suspect is in custody.”
Emphasizing that the agency is dedicated to combating such activities in the state, Rimin-Gado urged individuals to report suspected incidents of corruption.
“Public trust is undermined by this kind of behaviour,” he stated. “Anyone found abusing resources intended for the people will continue to face harsh consequences.”
