Following allegations of involvement in a ₦1 billion fraud, a chief magistrate’s court ordered the remand of Idris Wada-Saleh, former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, in the custody of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti Corruption Commission (PCACC).
The defendant, who was a commissioner under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, is currently facing charges related to giving false information and committing acts of cheating.
Pending a decision on the defendant’s bail application, Chief Magistrate Tijjani Sale-Minjibir has ordered the defendant’s remand in the custody of the PCACC for a period of 12 days.
The magistrate has announced an adjournment, with the proceedings set to resume on July 14.
Salisu Tahir, the assistant director of PCACC, acting as the prosecution counsel, presented information to the court, stating that the defendant was arrested on July 3 at about 2:30 p.m., as discussed earlier in the proceedings.
Read also: ₦6trn Subsidy Claim A Fraud, Customs Lambasts NNPC
The prosecution counsel, Salisu Tahir, accused the defendant of authorizing the release of ₦1 billion to Arafat Construction Company, No Stone Construction Company, and Multi Resources for the purpose of rehabilitating 30 roads in the metropolis. However, it is alleged that these road rehabilitation projects were not carried out as stipulated.
Pursuant to section 295(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2019, Mr. Tahir submitted an ex parte application urging the court to remand the defendant in PCACC custody for 14 days. The purpose was to allow for the completion of the ongoing investigation.
‘The defendant has a case to answer in the ₦1 billion belonging to the Kano State government.’
‘The exparte application is supported by seven paragraphs deposed by one Insp Sa’id Ilu, attached with six voucher exhibits.’
Pointing out the importance of justice, he urged the court to grant the application, facilitating the agency in presenting an appropriate charge against the defendant.
Asserting his innocence, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him.
The prosecutor pointed out that the charges against the defendant were based on the contravention of Section 26 of the PCACC 2010 as amended and Section 322 of the Penal Code.
Relying on the constitutional rights enshrined in sections 35(6) and 36(5), the defense counsel prayed for the court’s favorable consideration in granting bail to the defendant.