Kano, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials from the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue for allegedly diverting N1,294,337,676.53 of the Katsina State Government’s funds. The arrests were made by the Kano Zonal Command of the EFCC, following a petition from the Katsina State Government.
The suspects, identified by the EFCC, include:
Rabiu Abdullahi – Former Director of Collections, now Permanent Secretary of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue.
Sanusi Mohammed Yaro – Director of Revenue Account.
Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro – Director involved in the scheme.
Ibrahim Aliyu – Board 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.
The suspects allegedly colluded to divert funds accruing to the state from the World Health Organization, Medicins Sans Frontiers, and Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA). The funds were reportedly channeled into a bank account opened under the name “BOIRS” at Sterling Bank, where three of the suspects had access.
The investigation revealed that the laundered funds were further funneled through NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri. The suspects used this company as a principal conduit for laundering the stolen funds. The EFCC also traced the funds to several bank accounts belonging to the suspects.
The five arrested suspects are currently being held at the Kano Zonal Command of the EFCC, with plans to charge them in court once investigations are concluded.
In addition, the EFCC has been taking strong actions against fraudulent activities within its own ranks. In 2024, 27 officers were dismissed for misconduct and involvement in fraudulent activities, with 10 officers under investigation in Lagos for missing items.
The EFCC remains committed to fighting corruption and ensuring that those responsible for embezzling public funds are brought to justice.
