The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has opened an inquiry into claims of diversion of over N4 billion of state resources into the Dala Inland Dry Port after the state allegedly lost its equity stake in the multi-billion naira project under the former administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.
Reports indicated that more than N4 billion was spent on a contract to provide infrastructure for the inland port, shortly after Kano State’s 20 per cent equity in the company was allegedly transferred to the immediate past governor’s family in 2020.
The equity handover was said to have removed Kano State from the project’s ownership structure and placed the ex-governor’s children as directors and shareholders.
It was further alleged that at the time the contract was executed, the state no longer held co-ownership in the port.
Findings revealed that the anti-graft body initiated the investigation into the alleged N4 billion misappropriation following petitions submitted to the commission.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Saidu Yahya, disclosed that the probe into the alleged diversion of funds into the company had reached an advanced stage and was nearing conclusion.
”Yes, we received petitions from the public on the alleged over N4 billion Kano State fund diverted into the Dala Inland Dry Port by the immediate past administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.”
‘’So far, persons of interest have been invited; one of them was arrested and later released on bail, after giving vital information, while investigation revealed that one of the parties is now in Yola, Adamawa State,’’ the Chairman said.
He explained that the case would soon be taken to court after investigations, noting that a prima facie case had been established.
