The Katsina State Government has confirmed that Nura Aliyu Garwa, a former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Community Development, was previously suspended from office before being linked to an alleged kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.
Garwa, who has been identified as a suspected mastermind in the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina, was said to have been suspended over allegations involving the diversion of empowerment materials meant for communities in Batsari Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango.
According to the statement, the suspension was connected to activities under the state’s Community Development Programme, where the former aide allegedly mishandled materials designated for community empowerment initiatives.
The government further revealed that Garwa had later shown interest in contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly to represent Batsari Local Government Area.
Governor Radda reportedly described the allegations against the former aide as disturbing and unfortunate, expressing concern that a politician with public visibility and electoral ambition could allegedly be associated with criminal activities of such magnitude.
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The governor also praised the efforts of the Katsina State Police Command and other security agencies for intensifying operations against insecurity and criminal networks across the state.
The development follows the recent parade of suspects by the police over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of an eight-year-old boy from Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis.
Security authorities had earlier disclosed that the former government aide was allegedly connected to the syndicate behind the abduction, a revelation that has generated widespread reactions and concern within the state.
The case has further heightened public anxiety over the growing challenge of kidnapping and criminal activities in parts of northern Nigeria.