The Kano Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission, PCACC, has dismantled an alleged land grabbing syndicate in the state, confiscating over 1,200 lands and arresting some of the Kingpins.
The Anti-Corruption body has already launched an investigation into the notorious syndicate involved in alleged fraudulent land grabbing activities, to further uncover those involved in the criminal acts.
Speaking to Newsmen, the State Chairman of the Commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said on Friday that the syndicate, which allegedly operates in active connivance with some judicial staff, lawyers and other land officials, has been accused of orchestrating elaborate plans to illegally acquire public property. and private land.
According to the president, preliminary results have already revealed a complex network of fraudsters who take advantage of loopholes in the system to falsify documents, reverse sales agreements and obtain fraudulent court rulings.
Rimingado, detailed the syndicate's modus operandi, stating that “land grabbers specialize in colluding with individuals in positions of authority to fraudulently acquire land. They manipulate legal processes, falsify affidavits and update documents to legitimize their claims. Many of these cases involve land belonging to deceased people, absentee owners or unknown owners of the activities.”
Rimingado highlighted a specific case involving 40 pieces of land and revealed that the original owner still had valid ownership certificates.
“The owner never mortgaged the land, but the union managed to seize it. We have recovered these plots and returned them to their rightful owner. The value of the land is estimated at more than £20 million,” he added, presenting evidence of ownership and fraudulent documentation.
During the investigation, the PCACC detained several suspects, including lawyers and public officials. Among those arrested was a key suspect who was found with £2,857,000 in cash at the time of his arrest, along with other incriminating evidence.
“The suspect even tried to bribe the arresting officer with cash in exchange for his freedom,” Rimingado revealed.
The President noted that some lawyers and public officials were complicit in the fraudulent activities, either by drafting agreements or facilitating the schemes.
“We are initiating legal action against all culprits. “Based on legal advice, we will take appropriate measures to ensure justice is done,” he said.
Rimingado further explained how the syndicate exploited the legal system by filing false applications, creating fictitious defendants, and obtaining consent judgments.
“They presented these rulings to intimidate landowners, claiming that the courts had ruled in their favor. Innocently, the courts would grant orders based on the fraudulent affidavits submitted,” he explained.
PCACC is working closely with the Department of State Services, DSS and other stakeholders to dismantle the union and prevent future incidents.
Rimingado praised the state government's efforts to clean up the system and promised continued support to ensure transparency and accountability in land administration.
“This investigation is a milestone in our fight against corruption. It will bring sanity to the system and serve as a deterrent to others,” he emphasized.
PCACC’s proactive measures to combat land grabbing activities reflect its commitment to protecting public and private property rights in Kano State.
With ongoing investigations and the promise of reforms, residents can look forward to a more transparent and secure land administration system.