Kogi Governor hands over State Pilgrims Boss to DSS for Corruption

Yahaya Bello, the executive Governor of Kogi state on Monday suspended the state chairman of the Muslims Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Sadiq Muhammed, for alleged acts of corruption.

Alhaji Muhammed was accused of “infidelity” in the handling of funds generated by and allocated to the pilgrims board according to reports by Vanguard.

The Governor equally directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to take over Muhammed’s case for further investigation.

Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi governor’s spokesman told newsmen in Lokoja on Monday that the governor had developed certain mechanisms against corrupt practices in the state, and would not spare any public official found culpable.

“I am aware that many people from the state were part of this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca. Government was aware of all they went through.

“As a responsible leader, the governor immediately swung into action by setting up a probe panel to unravel why Kogi pilgrims were subjected to such dehumanising conditions, despite the perfect arrangements by the state government to make pilgrims comfortable,”.

The governor’s spokesman added: “The probe reports indicted the Chairman of the Pilgrims Commission. To underscore his zero-tolerance for corruption, the governor has directed the Secretary to the State Government to immediately suspend the chairman of the commission.

“Also, the chairman has been handed over to DSS for further investigations and possible prosecution if enough grounds are found for that” Fanwo said.