EFCC (the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) have arrested five senior officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue for allegedly diverting N1.294 billion belonging to the Katsina State Government.
The suspects, including Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, were taken into custody following a petition from the Katsina state government.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects allegedly colluded to divert funds accruing to the state from international organizations such as the World Health Organization, Medicins Sans Frontiers, and Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Preliminary investigations revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary, authorized the opening of a bank account in the name of “BOIRS” at Sterling Bank.
Sanusi Mohammed Yaro and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro were designated as sole signatories to the account, which became the primary channel for funneling funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers.
The company, owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director of Career Skills/Staff Welfare, was allegedly used to launder the stolen funds.
The EFCC has detained the suspects at its Kano Zonal Command and will charge them to court upon completion of investigations.
This development highlights the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in government agencies.
