The Katsina State Government has confirmed that Nura Aliyu Garwa, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, was earlier suspended from office over allegations of misconduct before being linked to a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.
Garwa was allegedly identified in connection with a criminal network accused of abducting an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, the government said the former aide had been suspended due to allegations bordering on the diversion of empowerment items meant for communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.
According to the statement, the suspension preceded his alleged involvement in the ongoing criminal investigation currently being handled by security agencies.
The government also noted that Garwa had, at a later stage, shown interest in contesting a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari Local Government Area.
Reacting to the development, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the allegations against the suspected syndicate members as disturbing, expressing concern over the involvement of individuals with political exposure in criminal activities.
The governor also commended the Katsina State Police Command and other security agencies for their sustained efforts in tackling insecurity and dismantling criminal networks across the state.
Security sources recalled that the police had recently paraded suspects linked to the kidnapping of the eight-year-old victim in Sardauna Estate, Katsina metropolis, with reports indicating that a former government aide was among those being investigated.
The development has continued to generate public concern across the state as security agencies intensify efforts to unravel the full extent of the alleged kidnapping network.
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