Kano State Seizes ₦20 Million in Stolen Land from Notorious Syndicate
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has successfully recovered 40 plots of land worth over ₦20 million from a notorious land-grabbing syndicate operating in the state. The breakthrough was announced by the commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, during a press briefing in Kano, calling it a significant step in the ongoing fight against corruption and fraudulent land acquisitions.
Rimin-Gado explained that the land-grabbing syndicate used elaborate tactics to seize both public and private lands. Their methods included forging documents, backdating agreements, and obtaining fraudulent court judgments, often in collaboration with judiciary staff, lawyers, and other officials.
“These land grabbers specialize in colluding with people in positions of authority to acquire land fraudulently,” Rimin-Gado said. “They manipulate legal processes, forge affidavits, and backdate documents to legitimize their claims.”
He went on to describe a specific case in which the syndicate seized 40 plots from a rightful owner who held valid certificates. Despite the landowner never having mortgaged the property, the syndicate was able to fraudulently claim it. Fortunately, the PCACC recovered the plots and returned them to their rightful owner, valued at over ₦20 million.
During the investigation, the commission arrested several individuals, including lawyers and public officials. One key suspect was apprehended with ₦2,857,000 in cash, which he attempted to use as a bribe to secure his release.
Rimin-Gado further detailed how the syndicate exploited legal loopholes by filing fake applications, creating fictitious defendants, and securing bogus judgments to intimidate landowners. “They would present these fraudulent judgments to intimidate landowners into surrendering their properties,” he explained.
The chairman praised the Kano State government for its commitment to tackling corruption and reaffirmed the commission’s determination to ensure transparency in land administration. “This investigation is a landmark achievement in our fight against corruption and will serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar activities,” he stated.
The PCACC is working closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other partners to dismantle the syndicate and prevent future incidents, with legal action against all culprits set to follow.
