The Adamawa Government has launched an investigation into an alleged N2.3 million fraud linked to the allocation of shops at the newly rebuilt Modibbo Adama Ultra Modern Market, Yola.
Mr. Joab Salma, Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday, in Yola.
Salma alleged that a suspected fraudster collected more than N2.3 million from traders after promising to influence shop allocations before disappearing.
He advised members of the public to make payments only through approved government channels to avoid falling victim to fraud.
The commissioner said the challenge arose after the government directed traders’ associations to submit names of those who lost shops during previous fire incidents at the market.
According to him, the initial list contained more than 1,000 names, exceeding the capacity of the reconstructed market.
He said a screening exercise reduced the number of verified traders to 303, while Gov. Ahmad Fintiri later approved an additional 47 spaces, increasing the allocations to 350 shops.
Salma, however, said protests persisted over the allocations due to alleged manipulation of the verified list by some union officials.
He said credible complaints indicated that names of genuine traders were removed and replaced with those of individuals who never operated in the market.
“Investigations further revealed that some beneficiaries admitted, had never traded in the market but were promised shops after submitting their names.
“The ministry also discovered cases involving names of deceased persons and impersonators claiming ownership of shops.
“The ministry has constituted a verification committee, headed by the Permanent Secretary, to review petitions from affected traders and identify genuine beneficiaries,” he said.
He assured traders that anyone unfairly excluded would be allocated a shop after the two weeks verification exercise.
According to him, government has introduced a transparent allocation process involving payments through the Adamawa State Board of Internal Revenue, electronic profiling and digital data capture.
He said the measures were designed to prevent multiple allocations, illegal transfers and speculative sales of shops.
Salma reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting the government’s vision of a transparent and commercially viable market.
The Modibbo Adama Ultra Modern Market was recently rebuilt by the Fintiri administration after repeated fire outbreaks.(NAN)
