From Abubakar Suleiman MAPSA
The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over their alleged involvement in the diversion of N1.29 billion in government funds.
The arrested officials include Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri.
Their arrest followed a petition by the Katsina State Government, which accused them of siphoning funds intended for the state from international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Preliminary investigations revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, authorized the opening of a bank account at Sterling Bank under the name "BOIRS.
" The account, with Sanusi Mohammed Yaro and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as sole signatories, allegedly served as a conduit for funneling the misappropriated funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director at the Board.
Further investigations indicated that Nura Lawal and his company played a central role in laundering the stolen funds, which were traced to various bank accounts belonging to the suspects.
The EFCC has detained the suspects at its Kano Zonal Command, pending the conclusion of investigations, after which they will be charged in court.
