Operatives of the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue for allegedly diverting N1,294,337,676.53 meant for 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 taken into custody following a petition submitted by the Katsina State Government.
According to the petition, the accused officials allegedly colluded to divert funds accruing to the state from reputable organizations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Preliminary investigation by the Commission showed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections of the Board and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, authorised the opening of a a bank account in the name of ”BOIRS” at Sterling bank where he allegedly designated Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Account, and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as sole signatories to the account. Subsequently, the account became the primary channel through which all the funds were allegedly funnelled 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.
Investigation further revealed that Nura Lawal and his company ”NADIKKO” became the principal conduits used to launder the stolen funds. These laundered funds were traced to the various bank accounts of the suspects.
The suspects are currently being detained at the Kano Zonal Command of the EFCC.
They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
(PremiumTimes)
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