Government officials attached to the office of the Kano State Deputy Governor are currently undergoing interrogation over the alleged missing Toyota Hilux, an operational vehicle belonging to the State House convoy.
The Guardian gathered that the vehicle went missing from the Deputy Governor’s office on Sunday evening, when most workers were off duty for the weekend.
Intelligence reports revealed that a few individuals, including a long-serving civil servant, allegedly drove the vehicle out of the Government House under the cover of darkness.
A reliable source disclosed that what appeared to be a coordinated operation was carried out by familiar government staff, evading the notice of armed security personnel at the Government House.
“The criminal act was actually perpetrated by officials at the Deputy Governor’s office, though it happened on a Sunday evening when there is usually little activity at the Government House,” the source said.
“But how the suspect managed to move the vehicle out without being stopped by security personnel is questionable. That suggests some level of connivance. A security officer should have intercepted him. However, this does not imply there is a security threat at the seat of power.
“My thinking is that the man was not stopped and perhaps allowed to move out of the vehicle since he’s a familiar face. But again, they (security) should note he’s (the driver) not on official duty, and it was on Sunday evening. I’m sure intelligence will unravel the whole question,” an internal source revealed.
Although there has been no official statement from the Deputy Governor’s office regarding the incident, reports circulating on social media suggest that a thief sneaked into the Government House and made away with the Toyota Hilux.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened around the Government House, with heavily armed police and DSS operatives subjecting visitors and officials to thorough checks.
The police command has confirmed the recovery of the stolen vehicle following a swift and coordinated operation by security operatives.
A release from the Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Garba, said a suspect, who serves as a permanent and pensionable driver, has been arrested in connection with the theft and is currently assisting the police in their ongoing investigation.
“The Deputy Governor’s Office commends the prompt response and professionalism displayed by the police and other security agencies involved in the recovery effort.
“The statement said, contrary to insinuation, the act is a clear breach of trust by the arrested driver. The general public is hereby advised to remain calm and rest assured that the security of lives and property remains the top priority of the Kano State Government, both within and outside the Government House,” the statement added.
