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Alleged N2.8bn Fraud: Kano Govt Files Charges Against Former Commissioner, Six Others
Kano state government has filed seven count charges before a state high court against former Kano State commissioner for local government, Murtala Sule Garo, Mohd Sule Garo, Mustapha Sule Garo, Isah Musa Kera, MJ Multipurpose Services Ltd, A.U Future Investment Ltd and Shoreditch General Resources Ltd bothering on alleged diversion of N2.8bn.
The charges were filed by the Attorney General of Kano State, with the power conferred upon him by section 211 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 (as amended) and Section 121(1), 126(b) and 377 of the administration of criminal justice Law, 2019 through his Counsel, Auwal Abdulqadri Sani ESQ.
In the charge sheet, the state government accused the first defendant and others of allegedly diverting local government stabilisation funds and one percent training fund from April 2020 to May 2023.
It reads, FIRST HEAD OF CHARGE, ‘’That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult together with MOHD SULE GARO and MUSTAPHA SULE GARO males, adults, your biological brothers, between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023, in Kano or thereabout, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 localgovernments areas of the state credited to Kano State Local Government Stabilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano with account No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo [N26,907,272,055.94] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office conspired with 2nd and 3rd Defendants [your brothers] and diverted the total sum of One Billion Three Hundred and Eighty Nine Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Naira (N1,389,924,999) through the corporate account of MJ MULTIPURPOSE SERVICES LTD [5th Defendant] domicile at Guarantee Trust Bank PLC with account No.0142582063 the monies which you converted for your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to Section 96 andand punishable under Section 97 of The Penal Code [as amended], CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria.
That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult together with MOHD SULE GARO and MUSTAPHA SULE GARO males, adults, your biological brothers, between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023 or thereabout, in Kano, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 localgovernments areas of the state credited to Kano State Local Government Stabilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano with account No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo [N26,907,272,055.94] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office conspired with 2nd and 3rd defendants [your brothers] and diverted the total sum of One Billion Three Hundred and Eighty Nine Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Naira [N1,389,924,999] through the corporate account of MJ MULTIPURPOSE SERVICES LTD [5th Defendant] domicile at GTBank No.0142582063 the monies which you later converted for your own use in acquiring movable and immovable properties including a choice apartment at Hilton Suites in MakkahSaudi Arabia, thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 315 of The Code [as amended], CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.”
The charge sheet read that “between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023 or thereabout, in Kano, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 local governments areas of the state credited toKano State Local Government Stabilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo [N26,907,272,055.94] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office, diverted the total sum of Four Hundred and Twenty Seven Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand Five Hundred Naira [427,752,500] through the corporate account of a company you caused to be formed SHOREDITCH GENERAL RESOURCES LTD [7th Defendant] domicile at FCMB with account No.6501553017 the monies part of which was channeled through the 5th Defendant company account that you later converted in connivance with the 2nd and 3rd defendants [your brothers] to your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 315 of The Penal as amended), CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.
That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult together with ISAH MUSA KERA male, adult, one time director recruitment and training of the Ministry for local government, between the periods of June, 2017 to January, 2023 or thereabout, in Kano, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the rec noeipt, custody and management of 1% training funds being control by the Ministry for local government for the benefit of the 44 local government areas of Kano State, received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 local governments areas of the state credited to Kano State Ministry for Local Government account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Bello Road Branch, Kano with account No.0005165708 amounted to Three Billion
Eight Hundred and Twenty Six Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Naira Eighty Nine Kobo [N3,826,608,770.89] fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office conspired with the 4th defendant ISAH MUSA KERA [your Subordinate Staff] and diverted the total sum of Three Hundred and One Million Twenty Six Thousand Eight Hundred Naira [N301,026,800] the monies which you conspire and withdrawn in cash in violation ofof extent laws, rules and regulation and vanished for your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of The Penal Code [as amended], CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria.
That you, MURTALA SULE GARO male, adult, between the periods of April, 2020 to May 2023, in Kano or thereabout, in the Kano Judicial Division in your capacity as a public servant, to wit, the Commissioner of the Ministry for Local Government, in the service of Kano State government and being charged with the receipt, custody and disbursement of the stabilization funds belonging to the 44 local government areas of Kano State being funds received by the State Ministry for local government for and on behalf of the 44 local governments areas of the state credited to Kano State Local Government Sterilization account domicile at Unity Bank PLC Sani Abacha way Branch, Kano with account No.0041134229 amounted to Twenty Six Billion Nine hundred and Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand Fifty Five Naira Ninety Four Kobo (N26,907,272,055.94) fraudulently and dishonestly without reasonable justification in abuse of your office diverted the total sum of Hundred and Eighty Nine Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Naira (N690,063,500) through the corporate accountof a company solely owned and controlled by your brothers, A.U FUTURE INVESTMENT LTD (6 Defendant domicile at Zenith Bank PLC with Account No.1017680843 the monies that was lat channels to your company MJ MULTIPURPOSE SERVICES LTD (5th Defendant and which you converted for your own personal and private use thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and thereby committed an offense using wrongful gain to yourself and wrongful loss to the Government and People of Kano State and
and thereby committed the offense Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section of The Penal Code (as amended), CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.”
News
Market Traders Association of Nigeria Suspends Operations of 36 State Chapters
The Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) has announced the suspension of operations across its 36 state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The decision was disclosed by MATAN’s National President, Jamilu Abbas, while addressing journalists on the prevailing challenges within the association.
According to Abbas, the suspension comes in response to multiple concerns raised by stakeholders, alongside unforeseen circumstances that have impacted the organization’s unity.
He emphasized the need for solidarity, stating, “Based on the current situation across the country regarding our association, along with the receipt of various calls from stakeholders and unforeseen circumstances—including exchanges of words on our platform—I believe that we are one family, united in the progress of our great nation. That is why we are MATAN: when we work, our nation moves forward.”
The MATAN President clarified that, despite the general suspension, the scheduled inauguration for Imo State would proceed as planned, while that of Enugu State has been postponed. Abbas noted that further directives on the future of the association’s activities would be determined by the Federal Executive Council. He stated, “In view of all these developments, as the President and father of our teeming family members, I am here to announce that the Enugu State inauguration is suspended, while Imo State’s inauguration should proceed as scheduled. Furthermore, the operations of all 36 state chapters and Abuja are hereby suspended until the Federal Executive Council convenes and announces a new mode of operation for the entire 36 states and Abuja.”
Abbas acknowledged that the suspension could cause disruptions for MATAN members but stressed that it was a necessary course of action. He expressed his regret over the inconvenience, adding that he remains optimistic about the upcoming discussions with the Federal Executive Council, which he believes will provide lasting solutions to the association’s concerns. “This decision was made out of necessity. I believe the suspension may hurt our members, and we regret any inconvenience this painful decision may cause. However, we had no choice but to implement it. I am confident that the outcome of our meeting will serve as the final solution to our grievances,” he stated.
MATAN members across the country will be awaiting further updates as the association navigates this transitional phase. In the meantime, Abbas urged traders to remain united, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to resolving the underlying issues affecting the organization.
The Market Traders Association of Nigeria is a national organization committed to supporting market traders and advancing trade-related policies for economic growth. The association plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between traders and government stakeholders, ensuring that market conditions remain favorable for business development.
This latest suspension marks a pivotal moment for MATAN, with traders, stakeholders, and the government looking ahead to forthcoming resolutions.
News
Tragedy in Kano: Woman k!lls husband 9 days after wedding
A newlywed woman, Saudat Jibrin Adam, has been arrested for allegedly kill!ng her husband, Salisu Idris Ibrahim, just nine days after their wedding in the Farawa community of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State.
The tragic incident, which occurred late Monday night, has shocked residents of the area.
According to eyewitnesses, Saudat allegedly asked her husband to close his eyes for a “surprise” before fatally slitti!ng his throat with a knife.
A neighbour, Dini Mada, who was one of the first to arrive at the scene, disclosed that Salisu named his wife as the attacker before succumbing to his injuries at the hospital.
“I asked him who did this to you, and he said, ‘Dini, it’s my wife. She stabbed me in the neck in the parlour.
“She told him to close my eyes for a surprise, not knowing she had hidden a knife,” Dini recalled.
He added that Salisu’s mother, whose home is attached to the couple’s residence, alerted him moments after hearing a disturbance.
“She thought it was an external attack, but we found Salisu bleeding with his throat slit.”
The suspect reportedly locked herself in a bedroom after the attack and was discovered by police during a search of the premises.
“She was on the phone when police entered and arrested her.
“We didn’t even know she was still in the house,” Dini added.
Sources close to the deceased claimed that the couple had unresolved marital issues.
Despite displaying affection during their courtship, the suspect allegedly refused to consummate the marriage and frequently declined to cook for her husband.
“That night, Salisu bought gurasa and meat for dinner because she again refused to cook,” one friend said.
Neighbours described the suspect as appearing “normal” and often accompanying her husband to visit family nearby, which made the attack even more shocking.
Family members confirmed that Salisu was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
His brother, Tanimu Idris, said he has been buried according to Islamic rites.
As of the time of this report, the Kano State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement.
Spokesperson SP Abdullahi Kiyawa said the command is investigating the matter.
News
Group distributes cash, agro-inputs to indigents in Nangere
From Ibraheem Abdu
A group under the auspices Rural Health Mission Nigerian, has distributed cash assistance to and agro-inputs to over 130 indigents in Nangere local government of Yobe state as part of the group’s citizens development initiative move to encourage self-reliance among communities.
Speaking during the venet, team lead of the group Muhammad Ahmad Saddiq stated that the group with head office in Gombe State is in Yobe state to render assistance and also to encourage people to self reliant.
He added that those that benefited from the support included 50 pregnant women that were given N40,000 each and maternity delivery kits were also given to them free adding that 15 people with special needs had received N50,000 each.
He further revealed that 15 elderly people were also given N50,000 each as part of the group’s assistance..
Similarly, the royal father of the day during the event that took place at Sabon Garin Nangere., His Royal Highness, the Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Ibn Grema while presiding over the distribution of the farm input to 35 farmer surged all beneficiaries to make good use of what they have received. He also commended the group for finding it worthy to assist the indigents in the area. The inputs distributed include fertilizer, spraying machines, liquid fertilizer, millet seeds, sorghum, and pest control among others.
Market Traders Association of Nigeria Suspends Operations of 36 State Chapters
Tragedy in Kano: Woman k!lls husband 9 days after wedding
Group distributes cash, agro-inputs to indigents in Nangere
Fateful Triangle : Kano APC’s Stronghold, Kano North
EU Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to Sultan of Sokoto, Expresses Commitment to Humanitarian Initiatives
Market Traders Association of Nigeria Suspends Operations of 36 State Chapters
Tragedy in Kano: Woman k!lls husband 9 days after wedding
Group distributes cash, agro-inputs to indigents in Nangere
Fateful Triangle : Kano APC’s Stronghold, Kano North
EU Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to Sultan of Sokoto, Expresses Commitment to Humanitarian Initiatives
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