In a major crackdown on corruption, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested Mustapha Maifada, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abba Yusuf, along with three top officials of Nassarawa Local Government Area, over an alleged N105 million fraud.
The anti-graft agency also apprehended the council’s Director of Personnel Management, Treasurer, and Cashier, who are suspected of colluding in the financial misappropriation. Confirming the arrest on Tuesday, PCACC Chairman Muhuyi Rimin-Gado stated, “Yes, the officials have been arrested, and they are currently in our custody.”
According to insider sources, the fraud reportedly began when local government officials were instructed to issue a payment of N105,000 for an official program. However, instead of adhering to the directive, they allegedly issued a cheque of N105 million—an astronomical discrepancy—diverting the funds to the governor’s aide in November 2024.
The PCACC launched an investigation after detecting suspicious financial activity through its monitoring system. During interrogation, the detained officials attempted to brush off the transaction as a “mistake”, but investigators remain skeptical, citing the significant time lapse and mounting evidence suggesting deliberate misappropriation.
Further findings indicate that Maifada allegedly used the diverted funds to acquire multiple properties, raising more red flags. Authorities are now tracing assets linked to the fraud as part of their broader probe.
While investigations are still ongoing, the PCACC has vowed to unravel the full extent of the financial misconduct and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law. The arrests signal the agency’s renewed commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels of governance in Kano State.
This high-profile case is expected to send shockwaves through the state’s political landscape as scrutiny intensifies on government officials entrusted with public funds.
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