Kano State Anti-corruption Commission has launched fresh investigation in the alleged land racketeering involving Kano Emirate Council on 14 hectares of land at Gandun Sarki, Dorayi quarters in the metropolis.

Information from the agency revealed the vast land, claimed to be part of royal asset, was sold to a councillor in Kano Municipal Council Area at N775 million.

Confirming the development, Chairman of the anti-corruption agency, Muhyi Magagi disclosed that the investigation followed a petition from Dorayi Babba Development Association, who drew the agency’s attention to construction by private persons on the government land.

Upon the discrete investigation, Magagi revealed that the agency found out that the land had been sold out after distinct demarcation between the heirs of the late Ado Bayero and the Kano Emirate Council.

The anti-corruption czar, who declared that by the dictates of the Land Use Act, all lands belong to government, insisted that no private individual or agency was authorised to sell government’s property without the authorisation of the state governor.

Besides, Muhyi stressed that any traditional ruler found guilty in the case might be jailed as stipulated in Section 26 of the anti-corruption laws of the state.

Although, he said the council had earlier claimed that the plots of land were part of Kano’s royal asset ceded by previous administration, Muhyi disclosed that the council failed to provide Certified True Copy of documents to substantiate their claims.

He explained that government had initially approved use of some portion of the land by a foundation for developmental projects, but that the same land had already been occupied by those who claimed to have purchased it from the emirate council.

“The commission received a complaint from Dorayi Babba Development Association seeking the urgent intervention of the commission to conduct discreet investigation into the matter and ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

“The complaint said early morning of March 1, 2021 they saw strange people gathered and who began to measure the plot of land at Gandun Sarki, Dorayi, to develop it. Upon enquiry from the people, they claimed they were from the Kano Emirate but failed to provide evidence,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the said buyer of the land, one Yusuf Aliyu, has sued the commission’s chairman, the Commissioner of Police, and Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 1, for trespass and interference on the controversial land.

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