Ola Williams-
The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over alleged diversion of ₦1.29 billion meant for the state government.
The suspects, Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, were arrested following a petition from the Katsina State Government, accusing them of financial impropriety on funds meant for health-related organisations in some international bodies.
“From the investigation conducted so far, it has been established that there was a deliberate and calculated attempt to divert the funds provided by the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, and ALIMA earmarked for some key public health campaigns,” the EFCC said.
According to the EFCC, Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and now the Permanent Secretary of the Board, approved the opening of a bank account in the name “BOIRS” with Sterling Bank.
The statement explained: “Rabiu Abdullahi appointed Sanusi Mohammed Yaro and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as the sole signatories to this account. This account was then used as a channel to siphon funds to a company owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri.”
Nura Lawal, an Assistant Director in Career Skills and Staff Welfare, allegedly used his company, NADIKKO General Suppliers, to launder the embezzled money, which was spread over several accounts traced to the suspects.
“We have traced the stolen funds to several bank accounts belonging to the suspects, and evidence strongly supports the allegations,” the EFCC added.
The suspects are currently in detention at the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Command. “The investigation is ongoing, and upon completion, the suspects will be prosecuted,” the agency assured.
