The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials from the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue on charges of allegedly diverting N1,294,337,676.53 belonging to the state government.
The arrests were conducted by the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Command following a petition filed by the Katsina State Government.
According to an official statement, the suspects are accused of diverting funds intended for the state from international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Key Suspects Identified:
- Rabiu Abdullahi: Former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue.
- Sanusi Mohammed Yaro: Director of Revenue Account.
- Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro: Key official allegedly involved in the scheme.
- Ibrahim Aliyu: Member of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue.
- Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri: Assistant Director of Career Skills/Staff Welfare and owner of NADIKKO General Suppliers.
Alleged Scheme:
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to open a bank account in the name “BOIRS” at Sterling Bank. This account, reportedly authorized by Rabiu Abdullahi, was designated for the diversion of state funds. Sanusi Mohammed Yaro and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro were allegedly appointed as the sole signatories to the account.
Preliminary findings suggest that the diverted funds were redirected through this account, breaching public trust and the state’s financial protocols.
The EFCC has pledged to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure justice is served.
