The tale of corruption allegations at the heart of Sandwell council took on new impetus with the publication of news that, on April Fools’ day, the thirty year old Azeem Hafeez, son of Cllr Mahboob Hussain who was until recently a deputy leader of the council, was arrested on suspicion of fraud.
The police spokesman stated coyly “Officers from the Regional Fraud Team arrested a man from an address in Oldbury on suspicion of fraud” but Azeem was named by the Halesowen News.
The Express and Star buried the story on its web page while featuring two Labour councillors, due for re-election in May, dressed as a dragon in the main paper. But then the over staffed Sandwell Council press office seems to enjoy a fair bit of influence with the E&S, which has been remarkably slow in reporting the land sales scandal.
Azeem’s arrest seems to be part of the ongoing police investigation into sales of council owned land, while Cllr Mahboob Hussain was Chairman of the Land Disposals Committee, to, among others, his son Azeem. Once the corruption allegations surfaced, Cllr. Hussain stepped down from that position and later from his role as deputy leader.
After questioning Azeem was released on bail, back to his nearest and dearest but not before his own and his father’s house had been searched. Why they were not searched previously is not clear.
An internal council enquiry continues alongside that of the police, though some question how effective that will be. Deputy Chief Executive, Melanie Dudley described that enquiry as “continuing” and said that the council “was helping the police with their ..investigations”.
All those involved deny wrongdoing.
The land sales scandal, follows an incident where Cllr Hussain apologised for failing to declare an interest in a taxi company which obtained a lucrative contract with Sandwell council.