Transparency Group Suspends former NATCOM DG, Baba Muhammad

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Nigerian Transparency Group, which is committed to promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency within the public sector, has announced the suspension of the former Director General of the National Commission for the Coordination and Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM), Mr. Baba Muhammad.

According to a press statement signed by Press Secretary of the Group, Dauda Sani and made available to journalists in Bauchi yesterday, the group stated: “These actions undermine the trust and integrity essential to the functioning of NATCOM, an organisation tasked with a critical mission in the nation.”

The group stated that the suspension is in line with its principles, we wish to inform the general public of the suspension of Mr (NATCOM) which comes as a result of “grave allegations of extortion, misappropriation of funds, and his involvement in job racketeering with applicants.”

The group added: “Furthermore, we would like to highlight that Mr. Baba Muhammad is currently under investigation by the Nigerian Police Force for his alleged breach of trust and misconduct.”

“Regrettably, he has refused to honour the police force’s invitations for questioning, which only deepens the concerns surrounding his actions,”  the said.

According to the group, it  firmly believes in the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards in public service.

 “We call upon all relevant authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations. The public deserves to have confidence in the institutions that are responsible for their safety and security,” it said.

 “We will closely monitor developments in this case and continue to advocate for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s public institutions,” it added.