The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested a man, 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.
The arrest followed complaints lodged by Muhammad Amir Yunusa and Usman Bala Yakasai, also known as Sharif, who alleged that Maje transferred and offered the government property to private individuals without lawful authority.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Hafsat Ada’u Kutama, said investigations revealed that the alleged transactions were carried out 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.
According to the Commission, the Kano State Sports Commission neither authorised nor had knowledge of any transaction involving the Horse Stable. The investigation also established that the property had not been officially allocated to any individual through sale or lease.
The PCACC further said the document allegedly used by Maje in the transactions was neither approved nor recognised by the Kano State Sports Commission. The Commission added that the same unapproved document was allegedly used in transactions involving two different individuals.
It alleged that Maje agreed to sell the Horse Stable to Muhammad Amir Yunusa for ₦4.5 million while simultaneously collecting rent from Usman Bala Yakasai. According to the Commission, ₦180,000 was demanded as rent, out of which ₦150,000 was reportedly paid.
The Commission declared the alleged transactions unauthorised and invalid, stressing that the property remains owned by the Kano State Government and is under the control and management of the Kano State Sports Commission.
The PCACC said it had commenced steps to recover the Horse Stable and return it to the Sports Commission, while Maje is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the allegations against him will be subjected to due process.
The Commission warned members of the public against attempting to convert government property into private assets or using public property for personal gain without the required legal and administrative approvals.
It also advised the public to verify the ownership, allocation and legal status of government property with the relevant authorities before making payments or entering into transactions.
The PCACC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public assets, promoting transparency and accountability, and investigating allegations involving the unlawful disposal, transfer or commercialisation of government property.
