Kano community rejects N10m bribe to cover up suspected drug trafficking

Residents of Bajallabe, around the FCE Gate 1 axis in Kano metropolis, have rejected an alleged N10 million bribe offered to them to conceal the discovery of a vehicle suspected to be carrying illicit drugs.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday after residents became suspicious of a Golf car allegedly loaded with substances suspected to be illicit drugs and parked alongside a motorcycle near a residential building in the community.

The development was disclosed by the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Substances in a statement signed by its spokesman, Lamara Garba, on Tuesday.

According to the task force, residents approached the driver of the vehicle to ascertain the contents of the car after becoming suspicious of its presence in the area.

It said the driver allegedly offered N10 million to community representatives and vigilante personnel at the scene in an attempt to persuade them to overlook the discovery.

The residents and vigilantes, however, reportedly rejected the offer and insisted that the appropriate authorities be invited to investigate the matter.

The task force said the chairman of the local vigilante group subsequently contacted its office to report the incident.

As tension reportedly mounted at the scene, the vigilante chairman also alerted the Nigeria Police Force, Rijiyar Zaki Division, to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

Police personnel responded to the scene and took custody of the suspected vehicle and individuals involved before transferring them to the Rijiyar Zaki Police Division for further investigation.

Operatives of the Multi-Agency Task Force also joined the relevant authorities at the scene to support the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

The task force stressed that the substances recovered from the vehicle had not been conclusively identified as illicit drugs.

It said the materials were only suspected illicit substances and that their precise nature and status would be determined through investigation and, where necessary, laboratory examination.

Commending the residents and vigilantes, the Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Substances, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, described their action as an example of courage, vigilance and civic responsibility.

He said the decision to reject the alleged financial inducement demonstrated the important role communities could play in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Rimin Gado also commended the police in the Rijiyar Zaki Division for their prompt response to the incident.

He said the community’s decision to alert law enforcement authorities, rather than confronting the suspects or taking the law into its own hands, was crucial to maintaining peace and ensuring due process.

The task force further disclosed that the property where the suspected substances were found would be sealed in line with an Executive Order recently signed by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

It said other necessary measures would also be taken in accordance with the provisions of the order.

The task force urged residents across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving the trafficking, distribution, storage or sale of illicit drugs and other prohibited substances.

It, however, cautioned residents against confronting suspected offenders, stressing that credible information should be channelled through appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies.

The agency also called on traditional and religious leaders, market associations, youth organisations, vigilante groups, community development associations and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with government and security agencies in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

According to the task force, the Bajallabe incident demonstrated that the fight against drug abuse could not be left to government and law enforcement agencies alone.

It said active participation by communities remained critical to tackling drug trafficking and creating a safer and healthier environment across Kano State.

The task force reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, assuring residents that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure a thorough investigation and administration of justice.