Kidnapping scandal: governor’s assistant suspended

The Katsina State Government has suspended a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Community Development to Governor Dikko Radda, Nura Aliyu-Garwa, linked to an alleged kidnapping syndicate.

Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Katsina on Monday.

The statement said the suspected aide was suspended from office before seeking an elective position.

According to the statement, Aliyu-Garwa is among the suspects allegedly linked to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Sardauna estate in Katsina metropolis.

The government explained that Aliyu-Garwa was previously suspended for his alleged involvement in the diversion of empowerment materials intended for communities in Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.

He added that the suspect later declared interest in contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari constituency.

The statement recalled that the Katsina State Police Command had earlier paraded suspects linked to the kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for the abduction of the minor.

Governor Dikko Radda described the incident as unfortunate, especially considering the suspect’s profile and his past involvement in public service.

The governor commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts in tackling insecurity and criminal activities across the state.

He also urged residents to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities.