The Chairman of Tofa Local Government Area, Kano State, Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, has cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, following the arrest of two youths over their social media posts.
Speaking in an interview with Kano Times, Yakubu Addis dismissed the claims by the duo — Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu, popularly known as Shamzeet, and Murtala Garba Doka — that the road project was awarded at a cost of ₦240 million and left uncompleted.
He said, “The contract awarded by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is for the construction of a feeder road, not a coal tar road, and the total cost is less than ₦70 million. The project was completed 100 per cent, contrary to the false claims circulating online.”
Kano Times gathered that the two youths were arrested on Monday after posting allegations on Facebook that the road project was both uncompleted and overvalued.
However, the local government chairman disclosed that the youths had since been released on Wednesday after meeting with elders from their Lambu Ward and tendering an apology over their actions.
“The matter has been resolved peacefully,” Addis said. “They met with their elders, apologized, and showed remorse. We accepted their apology because, as community leaders, we believe in correction, not punishment.”
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering development across Tofa Local Government Area, Addis cautioned residents against spreading unverified information on social media.
He said, “We encourage freedom of expression — it’s part of democracy — but it must come with responsibility. People should always confirm facts before making public comments that can mislead others.”