The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an investigation into alleged fraud in the recent distribution of empowerment funds to street hawkers by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Commission chairman Muhuyi Rimin-Gado informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Kano that the investigation aims to identify and prosecute those involved.
“The commission is investigating the matter and anyone found involved would be brought to justice.
“The commission is determined to prevent corruption from undermining the integrity of the empowerment initiative of the government and ensure that justice is served,” Rimin Gado told NAN.
The investigation was prompted by a viral video showing officials allegedly forcing beneficiaries to return a large portion of the N50,000 grants each received during the ceremony.
NAN reported that Governor Yusuf had recently provided N50,000 each to 465 street hawkers to support their businesses.
In the 60-second video, one beneficiary, Malam Nura Isa, claimed he was coerced by officials to give back N45,000 of the N50,000 he received. Isa stated that about 100 beneficiaries were pressured by officials to comply “in their own interest.”
Additionally, it was revealed that many of those listed to benefit from the scheme were denied entry to the event venue, and their benefits were given to impostors instead.
(NAN)
