The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday confirmed the arrest of the immediate past Director-General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Alhaji Bature Umar Masari over allegations bordering on corruption in the award of contracts by the agency.
A statement by the spokesperson for the commission, Mrs. Rasheedat A. Okoduwa, said the contracts were allegedly given to the cronies of the ex-DG.
“The former Director-General was quizzed by the Commission for his alleged role in fraudulent awards of specialized entrepreneurship contracts to his cronies who were neither professionals nor qualified to execute the projects and for allegedly demanding and receiving kickbacks from contractors.
“He is also accused of using his position for personal advantage.
“ICPC, acting on a petition it received against the former SMEDAN DG, arrested him for questioning but has released him on administrative bail.”