ICPC launches investigation into one other alleged case of fraud towards Plateau lawmaker

The Impartial Corrupt Practices and Different Associated Offences Fee (ICPC) has opened a probe into Plateau lawmaker Adamu Aliyu after a businessman accused him of conspiring with a former native authorities secretary to defraud him of N75.8 million in a pretend land deal.

the Impartial Corrupt Practices and Different Associated Offences Fee (ICPC) has opened an investigation right into a contemporary allegation of fraud towards a Plateau State lawmaker, Adamu Aliyu.

Mr Aliyu, who represents Jos-North-North within the Plateau State Home of Meeting, is accused of conspiring with one Hassan Maimadara to defraud a Jos-based businessman of N75.84 million in a controversial land deal.

The anti-graft fee initiated the probe following a petition filed by Reedlim International Enterprises, an organization owned by businessman Abdulyekin Kabiru. Within the petition, seen by this newspaper, Mr Kabiru alleged that the lawmaker and his confederate deceived him into paying thousands and thousands of naira for a chunk of land belonging to the Jos Metropolitan Growth Board (JMDB).

The allegation
In response to the petition dated 15 September and filed by AB Adihene & Co., solicitors to Mr Kabiru, Messrs Aliyu and Maimadara approached the businessman claiming that they had the authority of the Plateau State authorities to promote land at Gangare in Jos.

Within the letter, the businessman alleged that the 2 males misrepresented themselves as having the authority of the Plateau State authorities to promote a property belonging to the Jos Metropolitan Growth Board (JMDB). The property was recognized because the “Board’s Mechanical Workshop” positioned at Gangare in Jos.

Mr Aliyu allegedly introduced himself because the chairman of the Home Committee on Housing, whereas Mr Maimadara launched himself as a former secretary of Jos-North Native Authorities and a present aide to the lawmaker. Trusting their positions, Mr Kabiru stated he agreed to purchase the property for N50 million.

However what began as a simple settlement, the petition claims, shortly spiralled right into a scheme of inducements, threats, cast paperwork, and a number of money and financial institution transfers, ultimately draining N75.84 million from the businessman.

The complainant stated he was pressured into paying far more than the preliminary N50 million, transferring funds in tranches into accounts linked to Mr Maimadara’s firm, Hassan & Sons Multi-Biz Dimensions Ltd, and to Mr Aliyu’s private account.

In complete, Mr Kabiru claims to have despatched N75.84 million to the accused individuals, together with money deposits and transfers, in addition to cell phones price N172,000 allegedly demanded by the lawmaker.

How the alleged fraud unfolded
In response to the petition, Messrs Aliyu and Maimadara invited Mr Kabiru to the lawmaker’s constituency workplace in Jos, the place negotiations for the property have been finalised. A contract of sale settlement was drawn up between Mr Kabiru and Mr Maimadara’s firm, Hassan & Sons Multi-Biz Dimensions Ltd.

At first, Mr Kabiru was requested to pay N30 million, which he transferred into Mr Maimadara’s firm account. To reassure him, the accused allegedly produced a cast letter on JMDB letterhead suggesting that the property was obtainable for lease, not outright sale. Regardless of his issues, Mr Kabiru stated he went forward with the funds.

Because the deal progressed, the petition alleges, Mr Aliyu personally induced him to make additional funds into the lawmaker’s Guaranty Trust Checking account.

Financial institution receipt seen by PREMIUM TIMES exhibits that between March and June 2024, the businessman transferred a number of sums to the lawmaker’s private account, together with N4 million, N8 million, N5 million, N7 million, N8 million, N2 million, and N1.5 million—typically in fast succession.

The complainant alleged that by the point he realised the transaction was fraudulent, the entire quantity he had paid exceeded N75.8 million.

The petition consists of copies of financial institution switch receipts, a contract settlement, and a letter purportedly cast to resemble Jos Metropolitan Growth Board (JMDB) paperwork — all submitted as proof to the ICPC.

Refusal to refund
Mr Kabiru stated that when it grew to become clear the transaction was fraudulent, he demanded a refund, however the lawmaker dismissed him and even issued threats. “Aliyu Adamu claims he’s above the legislation and has been threatening our consumer time with out quantity,” the petition acknowledged.

“The respondents conspired, cast paperwork, and fraudulently collected N75,843,000 from our consumer,” the petition reads partly. “We urge your good workplace to research this matter promptly.”

The businessman stated he repeatedly pleaded with the lawmaker and his affiliate to return his cash, however was ignored. “Our consumer has made frantic efforts to see that Adamu Aliyu and Hassan Isa Maimadara refund his cash because the sale/lease didn’t work out, however they’ve uncared for and refused to take action,” his attorneys wrote.

ICPC begins probe
Officers of the ICPC confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the fee has opened preliminary investigations into the petition however has but to challenge a public assertion on the matter.

When contacted on Saturday, Mr Aliyu declined to present an official touch upon the difficulty.

A sample?
This isn’t the primary time Mr Aliyu has been linked to fraud allegations.

On 12 September, the lawmaker was declared needed by a Federal Excessive Court docket decide, Emeka Nwite, after the ICPC instructed the courtroom that he had repeatedly ignored invites to reply questions on the fraud allegations.

The decide additionally issued a bench warrant directing safety operatives and even non-public residents to arrest the lawmaker and hand him over to the ICPC.

After the arrest warrant was issued, Mr Aliyu surrendered himself to the ICPC on 15 September. The ICPC detained the lawmaker and later launched him on administrative bail after their investigation.

However in a movement filed on 18 September, Mr Aliyu, by means of his lawyer, M.B. Abdullahi, requested the courtroom to put aside the order. He argued that the warrant was “oppressive, overreaching and pointless” as he had since reported himself to the fee.

The contemporary ICPC investigation means that Mr Aliyu has been concerned in controversial monetary dealings whereas serving within the Plateau State Home of Meeting.