The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating allegations of a scam that marred the recent disbursement of empowerment funds to street hawkers by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, chairman of the commission, told news agency NAN that they are determined to identify and prosecute those involved.
“The commission is investigating the matter and anyone found involved would be brought to justice, we are committed to preventing corruption from undermining this important government initiative and ensuring that justice is served.” Rimin-Gado said
The probe follows a viral video showing officials allegedly coercing beneficiaries into returning a large portion of the N50,000 grants they received during the disbursement ceremony.
Governor Yusuf had recently presented N50,000 each to 465 street hawkers to boost their businesses. However, a beneficiary named Malam Nura Isa alleges in a video that he was forced to return N45,000 of the money.
Isa claims he was one of around 100 beneficiaries pressured by officials who threatened their eligibility for the program.
There are also reports that many legitimate beneficiaries were denied access to the event, with their grants given to impostors.
