The Katsina State Government has said Nura Aliyu Garwa, a suspected mastermind of a kidnapping syndicate, had earlier been suspended as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Community Development.
Garwa was recently linked to a syndicate allegedly involved in the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis.
The government disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango.
According to the statement, Garwa was suspended over allegations that he diverted empowerment materials meant for communities in the Batsari Local Government Area.
The materials were reportedly meant for distribution under the state’s Community Development Programme.
The government also said Garwa later indicated interest in contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari Local Government Area.
Governor Radda described the activities of the alleged kidnapping syndicate as unfortunate. He expressed concern that a person with a public profile and political ambition could be linked to such allegations.
The governor also commended the Katsina State Police Command and other security agencies for their efforts in tackling insecurity and sustaining operations against criminal activities in the state.
The Katsina State Police Command had recently paraded suspects allegedly connected to the kidnap syndicate. The syndicate was linked to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy at Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis.
Garwa, a former aide to the governor, was said to have been linked to the syndicate.