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 is 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 yesterday when he stated that preliminary findings revealed 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 operations, stating that it works with those in authority to achieve mischievous aims.
“These land grabbers specialise in colluding with individuals in positions of authority to acquire lands fraudulently. They manipulate legal processes, forge affidavits, and backdate documents to legitimise their claims.
“Many of these cases involve lands belonging to deceased individuals, absentee owners, or those unaware of the activities,” he said.
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 said.
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.
