The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Agency has uncovered a warehouse in Nasarawa Local Government Area, where 16,600 bags of rice, worth over N1 billion, intended for federal government palliatives, were being repackaged for sale.
The rice, which was initially distributed during last year’s Ramadan and labeled “Not for Sale,” features an image of President Bola Tinubu.
The operation, led by the agency’s Executive Chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, on November 26, 2024, resulted in the sealing of the facility located along Ring Road. During the operation, 28 truckloads of rice, allegedly diverted, were discovered, with individuals found re-bagging the rice into various brands for distribution across markets in the state.
Rimin-Gado confirmed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the crime and promised that a full investigation would be conducted to identify those behind the illegal activity.
He described the diversion as a clear act of corruption, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated. “This is a public property intended to alleviate hardship, yet someone had the audacity to steal it for personal gain,” he remarked.
The operation also led to the recovery of a re-bagging machine used in the illicit activity. Rimin-Gado assured that thorough legal steps would be followed, backed by a court order, to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
