Ex-Bauchi Official Denies Fraud Allegations

The immediate past secretary to the Bauchi State government (SSG), Barr Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, has denied allegations of fraud during his tenure, stating that he is ready to clear his name before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Kashim made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday in response to claims by the state governor, Bala Mohammed, that he was removed from office over alleged fraudulent activities.

Describing the allegation as “Unfortunate, misleading and entirely untrue,” the former SSG said he was never indicted, queried, investigated or found culpable by any government institution during his tenure.

“At no time during my tenure as secretary to the state government was I indicted, queried, investigated or found culpable of any act of fraud or financial impropriety. No panel of inquiry, audit report, law enforcement agency or anti-corruption body has ever established, alleged or even insinuated that I engaged in fraudulent conduct while in office.”

He said any claim to the contrary was a deliberate distortion of facts aimed at diverting attention from more substantive issues.

“For the avoidance of doubt, my exit from office was not based on any finding of wrongdoing. I served the Government and people of Bauchi State with diligence, transparency and strict adherence to the law, and I remain proud of my record in public service,” he said.

Kashim further declared his readiness to account for his stewardship at any time.