On Tuesday, the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Kano State, Idris Wada-Saleh, was presented before the Chief Magistrate Court of the state, facing charges of alleged N1 billion fraud. Wada-Saleh, who served under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, was apprehended by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) on Monday. The charges against him include providing false information and engaging in fraudulent activities.
During the court proceedings, Salisu Tahir, Assistant Director of the PCACC and the prosecution counsel, claimed that the defendant unlawfully disbursed N1 billion to Arafat Construction Company, No Stone Construction Company, and Multi Resources. The purpose of these payments was reportedly to fund the rehabilitation of 30 roads in the city, which were not actually carried out.
In light of these allegations, Tahir submitted an exparte motion in accordance with Section 295(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2019. He requested that the court remand the defendant in the custody of the PCACC for a period of 14 days to allow for the completion of the investigation.
The counsel said: “The defendant has a case to answer in the N1 billion belonging to the Kano State government.
“The exparte application is supported by seven paragraphs deposed by one Inspector Sa’id Ilu, attached with six voucher exhibits.”
He urged the court to grant the application to enable the agency to file a proper charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.
The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravened the provisions of Section 26 of PCACC 2010 as amended and Section 322 of the Penal Code.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defense counsel, Mr. Mustapha Idris, prayed the court to grant the defendant bail pursuant to sections 35(6) and 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“The defendant is presumed innocent and the offence is bailable pursuant to Section 168 and 172 of ACJL Kano State 2019 and order 5 rule 1 and 3 of ACJL rules 2023,” he stated.
Chief Magistrate Tijjani Sale-Minjibir ordered that the defendant be remanded in PCACC custody for 12 days pending a ruling in his bail application.
He adjourned the case till July 14.