The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained five officials of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service over allegations of diverting N1.29 billion in state funds.
In a statement on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale revealed that the suspects colluded to misappropriate funds meant for the Katsina State Government. The detained officials are Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Sauri.
“They were arrested following a petition from the Katsina state government alleging that the suspects colluded and diverted the sum of N1,294,337,676.53 accruing to the state from the World Health Organization (WHO), Medicins Sans Frontiers, and the **Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA),” the statement read.
The EFCC’s preliminary investigation revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former director of collections and now permanent secretary of the revenue board, authorized the opening of a bank account at Sterling Bank under the name “BOIRS.” He allegedly designated Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Account, and Ibrahim Kofar Soro as sole signatories to the account.
“Subsequently, the account became the primary channel through which all the funds were allegedly funneled to the main beneficiary, Nadikko General Suppliers, a company owned and controlled by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an assistant director of career skills/staff welfare of the board,” the EFCC said.
The commission further revealed that Nura Lawal and his company, Nadikko General Suppliers, were used as conduits to launder the stolen funds. The misappropriated funds were traced to various bank accounts belonging to the suspects.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspects are being held at its Kano Zonal Command and will face legal charges upon the conclusion of investigations.
