The Katsina State Government has revealed that Nura Aliyu Garwa, a suspected mastermind of a kidnapping syndicate accused of abducting an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis, had earlier been suspended from his position as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development before contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Bala Salisu Zango, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Katsina State, said Garwa was previously suspended over his alleged involvement in the diversion of empowerment materials meant for distribution to communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.
The statement noted that Garwa later declared interest in contesting for the Batsari constituency seat in the state assembly.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the alleged activities of the syndicate as unfortunate, especially considering that a person of such profile was implicated in the matter.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity and maintaining peace across the state.
The governor also urged residents to support government efforts by providing credible information and reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
The government recalled that the Katsina State Police Command recently paraded suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping syndicate involved in the abduction of the young boy at Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis.