Gen. Dambazau escapes from Kano anti-graft agency custody

The managing director of Kano Consumer Protection Council, KCPC, Idris Bello Dambazau has reportedly fled when the operatives of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti- Corruption Commission, PCACC, escorted him to his house to take medication after being grilled for hours at the commission.

Briefing journalists at the commission office on Wednesday, the PCACC chairman, Mahmoud Balarabe said Mr Dambazau, a retired army general, after receiving threat of arrest for ignoring several invitations of the anti-corruption agency, finally honored the invitation on Tuesday.

According to Mr Balarabe, Mr Dambazau was invited to respond to petitions of corruption allegations against him.

Mr Balarabe said the anti-graft commission had received many complaints of alleged corruption and other malfeasance against the KCPC boss.

He however said when Mr Dambazau finally honored the invitation, amidst interrogation, he took excuse that he wants to take medication at home.

Mr Balarabe said he then ordered the operatives of the commission to escort the KCPC MD to his residence in order to take the medication, but escaped in the process.

“When he finally honored the invitation, after ignoring it severally, we interrogated him.

“In fact, the interrogation was ongoing, but he took an excuse, on health ground that he want s to take his medication at home.

“I already left the office and went home when the operation department called and informed me that the suspect took an excuse to be allowed to go and take his medication at home, i obliged and asked them to escort him.

“Unfortunately, he escaped in the process. So, this is another offence and the commission will do what is appropriate within the law.

“When he came here, we treated him with respect and honorably, but at the end, he escaped,” said the PCACC Chairman.

Mr Balarabe also stated that Mr Dambazau, while responding to questions about the allegations levelled against him, failed to respond satisfactorily.

The PCACC Chairman vowed to investigate the case to its logical conclusion and take appropriate action.

Mr Balarabe also denied that the antigraft agency had harassed the KCPC MD, as contained in a viral petition he was said to have posted on social media.

“We did not harassed him. In fact, when he came here, we treated him nicely. So, his allegations of harassment and intimidation as contained in that purported petition credited to him is untrue and baseless.

“We are now investigating him. We have not said he is guilty. Only investigation would prove him guilty or innocent,” Mr Balarabe said.