The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has started investigation into a syndicate involved in land-grabbing activities.
The syndicate, allegedly operates in connivance with judiciary staff, lawyers and other officials and are accused of orchestrating elaborate schemes to illegally acquire public and private lands in the state.
This was made known by the chairman of PCACC, Muhyi Magaji Rimingado on Friday where he stated that preliminary findings reveal a complex network of fraudsters who exploit loopholes in the system to forge documents, backdate sales agreements and obtain fraudulent court judgments.
Briefing journalists in his office, he gave details of the syndicate’s modus operandi, stating that they work together with those in authority to achieve their mischievous plans.
“These land grabbers specialize in colluding with individuals in positions of authority to acquire lands fraudulently. They manipulate legal processes, forge affidavits, and backdate documents to legitimize their claims.
“Many of these cases involve lands belonging to deceased individuals, absentee owners, or those unaware of the activities.”
He further highlighted a specific case involving 40 plots of land, revealing that the original owner still held valid certificates of ownership.
“The owner never mortgaged the land, yet the syndicate managed to seize it. We have recovered these plots and returned them to their rightful owner. The value of the land is estimated at over ₦20 million” he added.
He further presented evidence of ownership and fraudulent documentation mischievously produced by the syndicate.
During the investigation, PCACC apprehended several suspects, including lawyers and public officials. Among those arrested was a key suspect found with ₦2,857,000 in cash at the time of his arrest, alongside other incriminating evidence.
“The suspect even attempted to bribe the arresting officer with the cash in exchange for his freedom,” he stated.
The antigraft boss noted that some lawyers and public officers were complicit in the fraudulent activities, either by drafting agreements or facilitating the schemes.
“We are pursuing legal action against all culprits. Based on legal advice, we will take appropriate steps to ensure justice is served,” he said.
Rimingado further explained how the syndicate exploited the legal system by filing bogus applications, creating fictitious defendants, and obtaining consent judgments.
“They would present these judgments to intimidate landowners, claiming the courts had ruled in their favor. Innocently, the courts would grant orders based on the fraudulent affidavits presented,” he explained.
PCACC is working closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders to dismantle the syndicate and prevent future occurrences.
Rimingado commended the state government’s efforts to clean up the system and pledged 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.
The PCACC’s proactive measures in combating 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.