Kano anti-graft agency secures conviction of fraudsters who defrauded Dantata, Gwarzo

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission announced on Monday the successful conviction of two criminals involved in defrauding notable figures, including elder statesman Alhaji Aminu Dantata and former Minister Alhaji A.T. Gwarzo.

The commission also recovered a total of N5 million, which the fraudsters had swindled from Dantata, along with N1 million belonging to Gwarzo.

During a press briefing following the court session, prosecution counsel Zahraddeen Hamisu Kofarmata detailed the fraudulent scheme orchestrated by the two defendants, Bukar Galadima and Sulyman Ahmed.

Galadima impersonated former Federal Capital Territory Minister Mohammed Abba Gana, falsely claiming he was ill and seeking urgent medical assistance from Dantata.

He requested N5 million for his supposed treatment, and upon Dantata’s instruction, he provided account details—albeit those of his wife, Sadiyya Abba, instead of his own.

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Believing he was helping a fellow statesman, Dantata transferred N5 million to the account provided. After receiving the funds, Galadima sent N500,000 to his accomplice in Abuja while retaining N4.5 million for himself.

It was only when Dantata followed up on Gana’s health that he learned of the deception and promptly reported the matter to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, leading to an investigation.

The two suspects were arrested and brought before Magistrates’ Court No. 24 in Kano, where they faced charges of criminal conspiracy, impersonation, criminal breach of trust, and cheating.

Both pleaded guilty to all charges, leading to a summary trial under Section 129(8) of the ACJL 2019. Chief Magistrate Umma Sani Kurawa sentenced the defendants to a total of four years’ imprisonment each last week, with varying terms for each offense.

They were given the option to pay fines for certain charges, but a request for them to pay N5 million in compensation was upheld, with an additional two years’ imprisonment for failure to comply.

The fraudsters also used similar tactics to defraud Alhaji A.T. Gwarzo of N1 million, although no formal complaint was made by Gwarzo; the fraud was uncovered during the investigation.

The commission has since recovered the stolen funds and plans to return them to both Dantata and Gwarzo.

Additionally, the convicts were required to sign a bond for good behavior, further emphasizing the commission’s commitment to combating fraud and restoring integrity in the community.

(Punch)