Anti-Corruption Agency Cracks Down on Land-Grabbing Syndicate in Kano, Arrests Key Suspects
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has uncovered a major land-grabbing syndicate, recovering over 1,200 plots of land and arresting several key players.
The commission has launched an extensive investigation into the syndicate, accused of manipulating legal and administrative systems to fraudulently acquire public and private lands.
Addressing journalists, the Chairman of the PCACC, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, revealed that the syndicate allegedly operated with the assistance of judiciary staff, lawyers, and land officials. "Preliminary findings have exposed a well-organized network of fraudsters exploiting loopholes to forge documents, backdate agreements, and obtain fake court judgments," he said.
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
Rimingado detailed the group's operations, explaining how they colluded with influential individuals to legitimize their fraudulent activities. "They target properties of deceased individuals, absentee owners, or unsuspecting landowners, using forged affidavits and backdated documents to claim ownership," he stated.
One case involved 40 plots of land, where the rightful owner still held valid ownership certificates. "Despite no mortgage or transfer, the syndicate seized the land. We've recovered these plots, valued at over ₦20 million, and returned them to the owner," Rimingado disclosed, presenting evidence of the fraud.
Arrests and Evidence
Several suspects, including lawyers and public officials, were apprehended during the operation. Among them was a key figure caught with ₦2,857,000 in cash, allegedly intended to bribe officers for his release.
Rimingado said, "The suspect attempted to use the cash as a bribe during his arrest, which adds to the evidence against him."
The chairman also confirmed that some legal practitioners and officials were directly involved, drafting fraudulent agreements and facilitating the schemes.
Legal Action and Systemic Reforms
PCACC has vowed to prosecute all suspects, working closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders. Rimingado emphasized, "We will pursue legal action based on advice to ensure justice is served and future occurrences are prevented."
He highlighted how the syndicate manipulated the legal system by filing fake applications, creating non-existent defendants, and obtaining fraudulent consent judgments. "These judgments were used to intimidate legitimate landowners, with courts unknowingly granting orders based on falsified affidavits," Rimingado explained.
Government Support and Future Plans
The PCACC chairman commended the Kano State Government for its support in reforming land administration. "This investigation is a milestone in our fight against corruption. It will restore sanity to the system and deter others from engaging in such activities," he said.
The commission remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, with ongoing investigations and reforms promising a more secure land administration system in Kano.
Residents can now look forward to a future where public and private property rights are better protected.