The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, on Tuesday, arraigned the state Commissioner for Land, Faruk Bibi Faruk, in court for alleged criminal breach of trust and illegal acts.

Also arraigned were the permanent secretary, Mahmud Bari, and a director in the ministry, Ahmad Ibrahim.

The trio were arraigned on a three-count charge before Justice Nasiru Saminu of Kano High Court 22 bordering on land deal.

According to the prosecuting lawyer, Rabi Waya, the officials allegedly connived sometime in April to sell an already allocated plot of land to Baba Sharu at the cost of N5 million, an offence punishable under section 315 of the Criminal Penal Code.

They were also charged with a breach of trust thus committing an offence punishable under section 97 of the penal code.

The third charge borders on alleged issuance of two Occupancy Permits C8 and C21 at Kunya ta Inna covered by layout plan TP/KNUPDA/338 at Kumbotso in the fictitious name of one Aisha Kabeer and Maryam Ado which were sold out at cost of N300,000 each.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Akinola Kehinde, counsel to the accused persons, asked the court to grant them bail and also requested access to the charge sheets which would allow them defend themselves adequately.

He expressed worry that the charges which were criminal in nature could end the careers of his clients and put a permanent dent on their names forever.

Mr. Saminu granted the accused persons bail on self recognisance and adjourned the case toFebruary 9 and 10, 2017, for further hearing.

The judge also granted the request of the lawyer to have access to the charge sheets.