One person has been arrested, while 28 trucks of allegedly diverted bags of rice sent to Kano by the Federal Government as palliatives were intercepted on Tuesday, while undergoing the process of repackaging at a warehouse in the commercial city.
The market value of the diverted trucks of 50kg bags of palliative rice was put at N1.4 billion.
The chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, Bar. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, led the string operation that uncovered a warehouse at the Western Bye-pass axis of Kano Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, where the trucks of branded palliative rice were being re-bagged for sale in the open commercial market.
The bags of rice, branded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu portrait, made for free distribution, were being re-packaged with commercial bags.
Muhuyi revealed that about 28 trucks of rice worth more than N1.4bn were uncovered.
He said: “We have uncovered a serious case of mismanagement and diversion of public goods. These palliatives were meant for the poor and vulnerable, but unfortunately, some individuals are trying to profit from the suffering of the people.
“One suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute all those involved.
“The Commission will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for this act of corruption are brought to justice. We are also working to recover the palliatives and ensure their proper distribution to the intended beneficiaries.”
