An exclusive investigation by SaharaReporters has uncovered how a senior civil servant convicted for corruption in Niger State was mysteriously released from prison just two weeks after his sentencing, reinstated into the state civil service, and continued receiving full salary throughout the supposed duration of his imprisonment.
Mr Umar Farouk, a Deputy Director in the Niger State Ministry of Land Transportation, was convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the Niger State High Court in Minna for demanding and receiving N11 million in bribes from a contractor.
The judgment was delivered after a protracted legal battle initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
However, multiple sources in the state civil service and ministries revealed to SaharaReporters that Farouk was discreetly released barely two weeks after being remanded in prison and has since returned to government work with full privileges.
“I Was Shocked He Was Out So Soon”
The contractor who filed the original petition against Farouk, leading to his conviction, expressed his shock and disappointment in an interview with SaharaReporters.
“How the case came up was that when I wanted to collect a contract from them, he demanded a bribe. When he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, I was relieved. But just two weeks later, I discovered he was out of prison,” the contractor told SaharaReporters.
“When he was released after two weeks, the people concerned protested. They were sad; why would someone go to prison and be released within two weeks and even reinstated into the civil service?
“The protest led to his suspension, but after that, nothing else happened. He is back working now like nothing happened. I was the one who filed the petition that led to his conviction. I’m shocked the government did not let him serve his sentence,” the contractor said.
How He Was Smuggled Into Mass Pardon
A source within the Niger State civil service revealed that Farouk’s name was added to a list of 104 inmates who the immediate past administration of Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello granted pardon.
But unlike the others, his inclusion was allegedly a deliberate manipulation.
“Because they wanted to free him, they had to free 104 inmates alongside him. His name was smuggled into the document,” the source said. “This was orchestrated by a former Commissioner of Justice. The governor at the time was not even aware.”
Another source in the state transport ministry said: “During his time in prison, the government did not stop his salaries. He was being paid. Now he is back on the payroll as if nothing ever happened.”
Findings by SaharaReporters revealed that Abubakar Sani Bello, barely one week to the end of his tenure in 2023, pardoned 24 convicts, some of whom had already been sentenced to death. He also paid N20 million in fines for 80 other inmates to secure their release.
This was orchestrated by his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasara Danmallam, a close ally of Mr Umar Farouk.
Secret Deal Between Convict and Justice Ministry
Civil service insiders alleged that Farouk’s release was the result of a shady deal between him and the former Commissioner of Justice, Nasara Danmallam.
“This was done between a former commissioner and Umar Farouk. They used to do these dirty deals together. That’s why they didn’t let him suffer in prison,” a source said.
When contacted by SaharaReporters, Farouk confirmed that he had returned to his civil service post. But he denied being illegally released from prison.
“I was not smuggled out of the prison, I was out of the prison by a process, not illegally.”
He declined to give further details when pressed to clarify the legal process that led to his early release.
“Go and meet my superior, the State Head of Service. You know I am under someone,” he added.
Commissioner Confirms Reinstatement, Cites Past Government’s Action
SaharaReporters also reached out to Hadiza Idris Kuta, the current Commissioner for Transport in Niger State. She confirmed the reinstatement and acknowledged investigating the issue upon assuming office.
“I also investigated the matter. I was told the man was out of prison because he was pardoned. That was done by the past government,” she said. “I know he is reinstated into the civil service but he is no longer in my ministry.”
When asked about his current role in the civil service, the commissioner refused to disclose his position.
Background of the Case
Farouk’s conviction marked the conclusion of a protracted corruption trial launched by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He was initially arraigned in July 2020 before Justice Abdullahi Mikail of the Niger State High Court on a seven-count charge involving gratification and abuse of office.
According to a statement from the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, Farouk demanded and received N11 million from a contractor in exchange for awarding a government contract. He pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a trial that eventually led to his conviction.
The judgment obtained by SaharaReporters read in part: “The accused person is standing trial on a 7-count charge for the offences of gratification by an official and using office or position for gratification contrary to Sections 8(1)(a)(ii) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000…
“I find the accused person guilty as charged on all counts… Accordingly, the convict is sentenced to imprisonment for 7 years for each of the offences in counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.”
Despite this clear conviction, Farouk’s return to public office has raised serious questions about the credibility of justice in the state and the integrity of public institutions.
Source: Sahara Reporters
