Kano Health Commissioner orders arrest of trader for selling free child nutrition supplies
Kano State Commissioner Orders Arrest in Child Nutrition Supply Scandal
KANO, Nigeria — Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, has instructed law enforcement to arrest a trader suspected of illegally selling government-issued child nutrition supplies. These items were intended for free distribution to vulnerable families in need.
The directive came after a routine inspection by Dr. Yusuf and his team at various health commodity distribution sites across Kano on Sunday. During their visit, they discovered Surajo Ibrahim, a seller of dried foods operating in the Kofar Dawanau area along Northwest Road, in possession of cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). This product is critical for treating children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
Dr. Yusuf condemned the act, calling it “unacceptable and harmful” to public health initiatives in the state. “This is a commodity provided by the government free of charge. Anyone who buys or sells it is committing an offence,” he stated.
He emphasized that these supplies are funded through the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to assist children in need. Following the discovery, Dr. Yusuf mandated that Ibrahim be handed over to the Dala Police Division for further investigation and potential prosecution. He also called for a comprehensive inquiry into how the nutrition products were diverted from their intended purpose.
“We will not tolerate any attempt to sabotage programmes meant to save lives, especially those targeting vulnerable children,” Dr. Yusuf added.
