The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has backtracked on initial reports suggesting that 16,800 bags of rice, thought to be part of the Federal Government’s palliative aid, had been diverted and repackaged for sale.

In a statement released on Friday, the commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, revealed new findings that have reshaped the investigation.

Earlier this week, the commission received a tip-off from a whistleblower, claiming that 28 trucks carrying 16,800 bags of rice were being stored in a warehouse on Ring Road, Hotoro, Kano.

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The rice bags were reportedly branded with the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the inscription “Ramadan Kareem,” and labeled “Not for sale,” raising concerns about potential corruption and diversion.

At the time, Rimingado described the act of repackaging and rebagging the rice as “a clear form of corruption.”

He emphasized that given the country’s ongoing hardship, it was particularly egregious for anyone to engage in such activities.

“Look at it, they are in the process, we have seen it and we are taking appropriate measures now. Investigation will be conducted thoroughly with all vigour to uncover all those behind it,” he said.

The commission made one arrest at the scene, while another suspect voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities.

However, in a significant development, Rimingado clarified that the rice was not part of any government distribution, as initially suspected.

Instead, he revealed that the rice belonged to a philanthropist, whose identity remains undisclosed.

According to Rimingado, the rice had been brought to Kano from Bauchi and Zamfara states, and the people handling it were working on behalf of the philanthropist to distribute the rice as part of a charitable initiative supporting President Tinubu’s agenda.

He explained, “At the preliminary stage it was established that the goods were brought to Kano from Bauchi and Zamfara State and that some names were featured.

“Now that it is established that the goods are not public property and the people handling whatever exercise taking place in that warehouse are working for the owner of the goods, the Commission, therefore, in accordance with established protocols, decided to approach the court with the new findings for necessary action.”

He further assured the public that the commission would continue its investigation with full legal action against anyone found culpable, stressing that the rice was not part of any Federal Government palliative package as initially believed.

Rimingado also thanked the people of Kano for their continued vigilance and support in the fight against corruption.

“I encourage them to continue providing the commission with vital information to help in fighting corruption and other related offences in the state,” he addes

The commission has since sealed the warehouse and handed the suspects over to security agencies for further interrogation as it seeks to resolve the matter transparently.

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Friday, emotionally honored his late wife, Patience, during her funeral service in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit-Ubium Local Government Area.

Speaking at the service, Governor Eno described his late wife as his anchor and promised to keep her memory alive, stating, “You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories we shared forever.”

Reflecting on their 40-year journey together, Eno expressed gratitude for the blessings they experienced as a couple, finding comfort in their children and grandchildren.

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“I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my ‘Oluwakemi,’ alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts, and warm in my heart,” he added emotionally.

The funeral service also saw heartfelt remarks from Nana Shettima, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who praised the late First Lady’s humanitarian contributions. Rev. Simeon Afolabi of First Love Assembly delivered a moving sermon, reminding those present of the lasting impact loved ones leave behind. “Anyone who makes a difference in life does not die alone,” he said.

The service was attended by several dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as well as other key figures such as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Patience Eno passed away on September 26, 2024, and her funeral was marked by the presence of family, friends, and the state’s leadership in a bid to honor her life and legacy.

The Nigerian Army has publicly explained the circumstances behind the detention of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who has been held for three days in Port Harcourt.

The Army confirmed that Soyombo’s arrest took place during a military operation focused on combating illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, clarified that Soyombo’s arrest was linked to a larger operation aimed at dismantling a gang involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the Niger Delta region.

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“The Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes,” Danjuma said. “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site, where arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”

Soyombo’s detention came to light after the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) raised the alarm. The organization took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concern for Soyombo, calling attention to the situation: “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime.”

The Army confirmed that Soyombo is among several individuals currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their involvement in the illegal activities. Danjuma emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and clarified that the journalist’s arrest was tied to the activities of oil thieves in the region.

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region,” Danjuma stated. “It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.”

The Army reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft, which it says is a major threat to Nigeria’s oil and gas production. However, Soyombo’s supporters and press freedom advocates continue to question the circumstances surrounding his arrest, calling for transparency and further clarification.