EFCC arrest 5 Katsina revenue officials over alleged N1.3bn fraud

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The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over the alleged diversion of N1.3 billion meant for the state government.

EFCC in a statement on its X page today said the suspects, were identified as Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri.

They were apprehended following a petition by the Katsina State Government.

The petition accused the officials of colluding to divert N1,294,337,676.53 from funds provided by international organizations, including the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).

According to EFCC investigations, Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, authorized the opening of a Sterling Bank account under the name “BOIRS.”

He appointed Yaro and Soro as the sole signatories to the account.

This account allegedly served as the primary channel for diverting funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director on the Board.

Further findings revealed that NADIKKO General Suppliers was the main conduit used to launder the stolen funds, which were traced to multiple bank accounts linked to the suspects.

The suspects are currently in EFCC custody at the Kano Zonal Command and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.