The Katsina State Government has announced the suspension of a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to Governor Dikko Radda, Nura Aliyu-Garwa, following his alleged connection to a kidnapping network involved in the abduction of an eight-year-old boy.
The disclosure was made on Monday in Katsina by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, through a statement released to journalists.
According to the statement, Aliyu-Garwa had already been removed from office before pursuing his political ambition to contest for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Batsari Constituency.
The government stated that the former aide is among individuals being investigated over the alleged kidnapping of the child at Sardauna Estate within Katsina metropolis.
Officials further revealed that Aliyu-Garwa had earlier faced suspension over accusations relating to the diversion of empowerment materials intended for residents under the state’s Community Development Programme in Batsari Local Government Area.
Despite the controversy surrounding him at the time, the former aide later signaled interest in seeking elective office as a lawmaker for the constituency.
The statement also noted that the Nigeria Police Force had previously paraded several suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate linked to the child’s abduction.
Governor Radda described the incident as unfortunate, considering the suspect’s former role in government and public service.
The governor, however, praised security agencies, particularly the police, for intensifying efforts to combat insecurity and criminality across the state.
He also appealed to residents to continue cooperating with security operatives by providing prompt and credible intelligence on suspicious activities and movements within their communities.
