The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over the alleged diversion of ₦1,294,337,676.53 meant for the Katsina State Government.
The suspects were identified as Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri.
In a statement released on Monday, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed that the arrests were made by the commission’s Kano Zonal Command after a petition from the Katsina State Government.
The petition alleged that funds from the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) were diverted.
Investigations showed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the board, authorized the opening of a bank account in the name of “BOIRS” at Sterling Bank. This account was reportedly used as a conduit for funneling the funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Nura Lawal, who allegedly played a key role in laundering the stolen funds.
The EFCC stated that the laundered money was traced to various accounts linked to the suspects. The individuals are currently in custody at the Kano Zonal Command and will face charges upon the conclusion of investigations.
