The Katsina State Government has confirmed that Nura Aliyu Garwa, a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, had earlier been suspended from office before his alleged link to a kidnapping syndicate emerged.
The government disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, following reports connecting Garwa to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis.
According to the statement, Garwa was suspended over allegations involving the diversion of empowerment materials meant for residents of Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.
The government added that after his suspension, the former aide reportedly showed interest in contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari constituency.
Governor Radda, according to the statement, described the allegations surrounding the suspected kidnapping syndicate as disturbing, noting that it was unfortunate for a public figure with political aspirations to be associated with such criminal claims.
The governor also praised the Katsina State Police Command and other security agencies for intensifying efforts to combat insecurity and criminal activities across the state.
The reaction followed the recent parade of suspects by the police over the alleged abduction of an eight-year-old boy at Sardauna Estate in Katsina, during which Garwa was reportedly linked to the syndicate.
The development has continued to generate concern among residents of the state over the growing wave of insecurity and criminal activities.