Operatives of the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over alleged diversion of N1,294,337,676.53.
The funds, which belong to the Katsina State Government, were allegedly misappropriated by the officials.
The suspects, identified as Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, were apprehended following a petition from the Katsina State Government.
The petition accused the officials of colluding to divert revenue accruing from international organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, the former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, authorised the opening of a bank account at Sterling Bank in the name of “BOIRS.” Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Account, and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, were allegedly designated as sole signatories to the account.
The EFCC further disclosed that the account became a primary channel for diverting funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director of Career Skills and Staff Welfare at the Board.
The company reportedly served as the conduit pipe through which the stolen funds were laundered. Investigators traced the diverted funds to various bank accounts belonging to the suspects.
The suspects are currently in custody at the Kano Zonal Command of the EFCC and were expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and recovering public funds, urging citizens to report any suspected cases of financial misconduct.
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