Former Kano Commissioner Remanded in Custody for N1 Billion Road Project Scandal
A Chief Magistrate Court in Kano has ordered the remand of former Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Idris Wada Saleh, for 12 days in custody. The remand is related to an alleged scandal involving a N1 billion road project during the tenure of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Engr. Saleh, who also serves as the Managing Director of Kano Road and Maintenance Agency (KARMA), was arrested and arraigned before the court by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission.
During the court proceedings, the Prosecution Counsel, Salisu Tahir, informed the court that they had filed an application to remand the defendant for 14 days to allow for further investigation and the filing of formal charges. The prosecution argued that Engr. Saleh has a case to answer regarding the N1 billion road project and its connection to the state government. The application included payment vouchers from three companies and a final address dated July 4, 2023
In response, the Defendant’s Counsel, Mustapha Idris, acknowledged the exparte application by the prosecution but also presented a bail application, which the prosecution objected to.
The presiding judge granted a 12-day remand instead of the requested 14 days. The judge ordered that the defendant be kept in good condition in the custody of the commission. The case was adjourned until July 14, 2023, for a ruling on the bail application.
Engr. Saleh pleaded not guilty when the First Information Report (FIR) was read to him. He is facing charges of false statement and return under the Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption law, as well as alleged cheating under the penal code.
It would be recalled that Engr. Saleh was arrested by the Commission on Monday, along with four others, in connection with an alleged fraud involving the sum of N1 billion for the repairs of 30 roads in the state.
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