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 submitted to the Commission by Muhammad Amir Yunusa and Usman Bala Yakasai, popularly known as Sharif, who alleged that the suspect unlawfully transferred and offered the government property to private individuals.
In a statement signed by the Acting Chairman of PCACC, Hafsat Ada’u Kutama, Esq., the Commission said its investigation found that the alleged transactions were conducted without the knowledge or approval of the Kano State Sports Commission, the government agency responsible for the allocation and management of Horse Stables in the state.
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According to PCACC, the Sports Commission neither authorised nor had knowledge of any transaction involving the property.
The Commission further said the Horse Stable had not been officially allocated to any individual, either through sale or lease.
It also alleged that the document relied upon by the suspect in the purported transactions was not an approved or recognised document of the Kano State Sports Commission.
PCACC said the same unapproved document was allegedly used in transactions involving two different individuals.
₦4.5m Sale, ₦180,000 Rent Alleged
The Commission said its investigation established that the suspect allegedly 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 statement, the alleged rent was ₦180,000, of which ₦150,000 had reportedly been paid.
PCACC said the purported sale, lease or transfer of government-owned Horse Stables to private individuals without the required government approval was contrary to established government policy and applicable administrative procedures.
It consequently declared the transactions unauthorised and invalid, stressing that the property remains owned by the Kano State Government and under the control and management of the Kano State Sports Commission.
PCACC Moves To Recover Property
The Commission said it had commenced steps to recover the Horse Stable and return it to the Kano State Sports Commission.
It added that Maje is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the allegations against him will be subjected to due process.
PCACC said it would also pursue appropriate administrative and legal measures in accordance with the law.
Warning Over Government Property
The Commission warned individuals against attempting to convert government property into private assets or sources of personal profit.
It stressed that public property could not lawfully be sold, leased or transferred for personal gain without the necessary approvals.
“The Commission will continue to investigate allegations of unlawful disposal, transfer or commercialisation of public assets and will take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of status,” the statement said.
PCACC also advised members of the public to exercise caution before entering into transactions involving government property.
It urged prospective buyers, tenants and investors to independently verify the ownership, allocation and legal status of government properties directly with the relevant authorities before making payments or entering into agreements.
PCACC Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Commitment
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting government assets and preventing the abuse or unauthorised commercialisation of public property.
It said its mandate included promoting accountability, transparency and responsible management of public resources.
PCACC also encouraged members of the public to report suspected corruption, abuse of office, illegal disposal of government property and other forms of misconduct through its official reporting channels.
The Commission stressed that the allegations against the arrested suspect remain subject to due process and determination by a competent court.