The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of owner of the ill-fated building which collapsed on Friday, killing at least three persons.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed three persons dead and two injured in a three-storey building collapse incident at Kuntau Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano.
The Police, in a statement on Saturday, said “interim police investigation shows lack of quality in the building texture and without the necessary approvals of the State Government.
The statement signed by the Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said owner of the property had been arrested and would be prosecuted after the ongoing investigation.
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“The property owner is currently under questioning for the crimes and violation of the extant laws and deliberate noncompliance with building regulations.
The statement reads in part: “Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc directed the immediate deployment of the commands tactical teams to secure the scene, rescue the victims, liaise with the relevant emergency workers, other security agencies personnel including Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), to take full control.
“There was rapid response by the rescue teams and security teams that swung into action that led to recovery of five victims out of the debris who were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano.
“Unfortunately, three (03) bodies were certified dead and two (2) by the on-call pathologist while those with life-threatening injuries were admitted and are currently responding to treatment.
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“Interim police investigation shows lack of quality in the building texture and without the necessary approvals of the State Government.
“As a result, the property owner is currently under questioning for the crimes and violation of the extant laws and deliberate non compliance with building regulations.
“The police command is at this juncture assuring the public that at the conclusion of its investigation, the property owner will be charged to court for prosecution for justice to be served.
“Finally, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc is showing the heartfelt expression to the good people of the State for the prompt report of the incident without which those rescued alive wouldn’t have been possible.
“Furthermore, the CP also commended the combined rescue and security teams for the sacrifices and timely manner to which they provided the required intervention.”