Anti-Graft Agency Detains Local Government Chairman in Kano Over Alleged Land Fraud

In a significant development on February 28, 2025, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), a prominent anti-graft agency in Nigeria, arrested Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, the Chairman of Kiru Local Government Area (LGA), over allegations of fraudulent land dealings. The arrest, confirmed as of March 1, 2025, centers on the illicit sale of public land originally designated for community use, spotlighting ongoing efforts to curb corruption at the local government level in Kano State.

Details of the Alleged Fraud

The PCACC alleges that Mohammed sold land worth over ₦100 million, which had been earmarked for the Kafin Maiyaki Mini Stadium, a public recreational facility in Kiru LGA. According to the commission’s investigation, the transaction involved a company named Mahasum, which purchased the plots, with payments funneled directly into Mohammed’s personal bank account rather than official government coffers. Kabir Abba Kabir, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, revealed that between November 1, 2024—when Mohammed assumed office—and February 27, 2025, a total of ₦240 million flowed into the chairman’s account. This sum, now recovered by the agency, underscores the scale of the alleged misconduct.

The commission’s probe suggests that the sale not only diverted public assets for private gain but also undermined community development by stripping away land intended for public infrastructure. Mohammed’s arrest followed meticulous tracking of these financial transactions, highlighting the agency’s commitment to rooting out corruption in local governance.

The Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

Mohammed was apprehended on February 27, 2025, and has been cooperating with investigators, according to statements from the PCACC. Speaking to journalists in Kano, Kabir Abba Kabir emphasized that the agency aims to uncover the full truth behind the land sale and ensure accountability for all involved parties. The recovered ₦240 million serves as a critical piece of evidence, though questions remain about the extent of the scheme and whether other individuals or entities played a role.

This arrest is part of a broader crackdown by the PCACC on land-related fraud in Kano State, a region where real estate is a high-value asset. The agency’s efforts reflect growing public and governmental pressure to address corruption that erodes trust and hampers development at the grassroots level.

Context of Anti-Corruption Efforts in Kano

The detention of the Kiru LGA chairman follows a series of high-profile arrests by the PCACC. Just weeks earlier, on February 13, 2025, the agency nabbed a serving High Court Registrar, a retired Deputy Sheriff, three lawyers, and several officials from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning over a ₦20 billion land scam. That case involved forged documents and fraudulent court judgments used to seize public and private properties, signaling a pervasive issue of land grabbing in the state. The involvement of judicial and ministry officials in the earlier scandal points to systemic challenges that the PCACC is now tackling head-on.

Kano, often compared to Nigeria’s economic hubs like Lagos and Abuja for its real estate value, has seen a surge in land fraud cases, driven by high demand and lax oversight. The PCACC’s recent actions suggest a renewed vigor in addressing these crimes, backed by support from Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has vowed to pursue all culprits regardless of status.

Public and Political Reactions

News of Mohammed’s arrest has stirred reactions across Kano and beyond. Posts on X indicate a mix of sentiments, with some users applauding the PCACC’s efforts as a step toward cleansing local government, while others express skepticism about the depth of corruption yet to be uncovered. The recovery of ₦240 million has been a focal point, raising questions about how such sums could be misappropriated in less than four months of the chairman’s tenure.

Politically, the case could have ripple effects. Kiru LGA, located in Kano’s southern zone, is a key area, and the scandal may fuel debates about governance and accountability ahead of future elections. The PCACC’s transparency in sharing details—such as the specific dates and amounts involved—aims to bolster public confidence, though it also amplifies scrutiny on other local leaders.

Broader Implications for Nigeria

This arrest underscores a persistent challenge in Nigeria: corruption at the local government level, where officials often wield significant control over land and resources. The diversion of public assets, as alleged in this case, deprives communities of essential services and infrastructure, perpetuating poverty and inequality. The PCACC’s success in recovering funds offers hope, but it also highlights the need for stronger preventive measures, such as transparent land registries and stricter financial oversight.

Nationally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and state-level agencies like the PCACC are under pressure to deliver results as Nigeria grapples with economic strains. The Kano case aligns with a pattern of anti-graft operations, such as the EFCC’s recent seizures of assets linked to high-ranking officials, signaling a broader push against corruption across tiers of government.

What’s Next?

As of March 1, 2025, Mohammed remains in custody, assisting with the investigation. The PCACC has not disclosed whether additional arrests are imminent, but the recovered funds and the chairman’s cooperation could lead to further revelations. The agency is expected to prepare a case for prosecution, bringing the matter before a court to determine Mohammed’s fate and that of any accomplices.

For residents of Kiru LGA, the loss of the Kafin Maiyaki Mini Stadium land is a tangible setback, and pressure will mount on authorities to restore such assets for public use. Meanwhile, the PCACC’s actions reinforce its role as a formidable force in Kano’s anti-corruption landscape, potentially setting a precedent for other states.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on this unfolding saga—how can Nigeria better safeguard its public resources?