Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura recently raised an alarm over a contact deal that went sour between the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and a government parastatal called Vocational and Relevant Technology Board. The governor, in July, wrote the state police commissioner, informing him about an infraction he observed in a contract to produce and supply school furniture across the state.
The letter led to the arrest of members of the management of the two government agencies for interrogation. In September, the police had concluded investigation into the fraud and sent a formal report to the governor on their findings, part of which Daily Trust learnt, indicted top management officers of both agencies over an alleged fraud involving over N800 from the total contact sum.
The said sum was meant for the procurement of furniture from China, according to our inquiries, although the report says the funds were not sent in compliance with the Public Procurement Act because they were conveyed through a bureau de change in Lagos, rather than the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Police spokesman, ASP Umaru Ismaila, said the police had long concluded its investigation and reported to the governor, but were yet to commence prosecution.
“The police have concluded investigation, and they will take appropriate action soon”, he said.
Governor Al-Makura had told Daily Trust that he was disappointed in the alleged fraud and vowed to do everything legal to expose and subject the culprits to police prosecution.