Outrage in Niger State: Convicted Civil Servant Sentenced to 7 Years for Bribery, Reinstated and Paid Full Salary Just Two Weeks Later

A Niger State civil servant, Umar Farouk, has been controversially reinstated to his government post just two weeks after being sentenced to seven years in prison for bribery. Farouk, a Deputy Director at the Ministry of Land Transportation, was convicted by the Niger State High Court in Minna for soliciting and accepting a bribe of N11 million from a contractor in exchange for awarding a government contract. The case was pursued by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), leading to his conviction after a lengthy legal battle.

However, an exclusive investigation by Sahara Reporters revealed that Farouk was mysteriously released from prison just two weeks after his sentencing. Multiple sources within the state civil service indicated that he was reinstated into his official position, with full salary payments continuing throughout his time in prison. The contractor who initially filed the complaint, leading to Farouk’s conviction, expressed shock at the rapid developments, stating that he had hoped the conviction would mark the end of Farouk’s career in government service.

The investigation uncovered that Farouk’s release was linked to a mass pardon granted by the previous administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. Farouk’s name was reportedly added to a list of 104 inmates pardoned by the governor just days before his tenure ended. Sources allege that his inclusion on the list was orchestrated through manipulation by the former Commissioner of Justice, Nasara Danmallam, with claims that the governor was not aware of the decision. While Farouk confirmed his return to his civil service role, he denied any illegal activity in his release, referring inquiries to the State Head of Service.

The reinstatement has raised questions about the integrity of Niger State’s justice system and the transparency of government processes. Despite protests from civil servants and the public, Farouk continues to receive his full salary, and no further actions have been taken against him. The current Commissioner for Transport, Hadiza Idris Kuta, acknowledged the issue but confirmed that Farouk was reinstated by the previous administration and is no longer employed in her ministry.