From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
A committee established by the Kogi State Ministry of Commerce to investigate the disappearance of government properties at the Lokoja International Market has indicted the market consultant, Mr Jimoh Adams, for allegedly removing five generators, several transformers, overhead water tanks, and other valuable assets from the market.
The committee, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Lamidi Salihu, has called on the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, to summon Mr. Adams for questioning and potential prosecution.
These findings are part of a report exclusively obtained by *The Triumph*, which has been submitted to the Commissioner.
Earlier, on September 15, 2024, traders at the market staged a protest, accusing Adams of mismanaging the market’s administration.
They claimed that Adams had removed five large generators, brand-new transformers, and two overhead water tanks and had also revoked and allocated shops illegally.
The protesters further alleged that whenever they confronted him, Adams insisted that he had the backing of the state governor and influential politicians.
In response, the committee launched an investigation in November 2024 to determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the government properties.
The committee’s mandate was to recover the missing assets and identify those responsible for the criminal activity.
The report’s findings state: “The act of removing the properties was facilitated by Mr. Jimoh Adams, the Consultant.”
The committee concluded that “the individuals who purchased the allegedly stolen items and those who facilitated the transaction should be invited by the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution of all those found guilty.”
It also recommended that the Commissioner of Police take over the investigation.
According to the Salihu-led committee, Adams did not obtain approval from the Ministry of Commerce for the removal of the properties from the market.