Rita Odafe
The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained five members of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue: Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri. They are accused of misappropriating over N1.29 billion.
These funds, intended for the Katsina State Government, were allegedly taken by the officials.
The arrests followed a formal complaint filed by the Katsina State Government.
It was alleged that the officials conspired to misappropriate revenue generated from global organizations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Initial inquiries by the EFCC indicated that Rabiu Abdullahi, who formerly served as the Director of Collections and now holds the role of Permanent Secretary, initiated the opening of a bank account with Sterling Bank under the name “BOIRS.” Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, as the Director of Revenue Account, alongside Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, were reportedly the exclusive signatories for this account.
Furthermore, the EFCC indicated that this account served as a primary means for funneling money to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company linked to Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, who is an Assistant Director overseeing Career Skills and Staff Welfare within the Board.
This company allegedly acted as a vehicle for laundering the misappropriated funds, which have been traced to various accounts owned by the suspects.
The accused are currently being held by the EFCC in Kano and will likely face legal action after the investigative process is completed.
The EFCC is committed to fighting corruption and reclaiming embezzled public resources, urging the public to report any signs of financial wrongdoing.
