The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over allegations of diverting ₦1,294,337,676.53 belonging to the Katsina State Government.
The suspects, identified as Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, were apprehended following a petition filed by the Katsina State Government.
The petition alleged that the officials colluded to misappropriate funds generated from international organizations, including the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, authorized the creation of a Sterling Bank account under the name “BOIRS.”
Abdullahi reportedly appointed Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Account, and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as the sole signatories to the account.
The account allegedly became a conduit for funneling state funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director of Career Skills and Staff Welfare at the Board.
Further investigations traced the laundered funds to various bank accounts linked to the suspects and NADIKKO General Suppliers.
The suspects are currently detained at the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Command and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and combating corruption in public institutions.
