The Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (KTPCACC) has launched an inquiry into 15 councillors over allegations of extortion and financial irregularities.
The Commission’s Secretary, Mr Jamilu Abdulsalam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Katsina.
He said preliminary findings showed that some Community Development Officers (CDOs) were also allegedly involved in extorting funds from members of the public.
According to him, the councillors and CDOs allegedly committed the offence during the distribution of subsidised fertiliser under the Community Development Programme (CDP).
“The combined alleged extortion by the CDOs and councillors exceeds N46 million. Some have admitted their roles and even begun making refunds.
“Others remain under investigation, and the Commission is pursuing all lawful means to ensure accountability and recovery of the public funds,” he said.
Abdulsalam also said the commission is investigating alleged misappropriation in the Katsina State Department of Banking and Finance involving more than N136.1 million.
He explained that N31.8 million was verified as properly expended, leaving N104.3 million as the allegedly misappropriated sum.
“So far, the commission has recovered over N70 million. Efforts continue to recover the balance and ensure accountability,” he noted.
The Secretary assured that all allegations were being investigated with utmost seriousness and professionalism.
He emphasised that the agency will not relent in ensuring prudent management of public funds across the state.
“Citizens are urged to cooperate by providing information that could help curb corruption and financial malpractices in the state,” Abdulsalam said.
He added that the Commission will sustain its zero-tolerance stance on corruption to safeguard the interest of the public.
In a related matter, he revealed that the Commission is also probing four secondary school principals, following a report from the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
“They allegedly mismanaged more than N6.6 million, while one of them is also accused of selling school property,” he said.