Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano State have detained five officials from the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service over allegations of diverting N1.3 billion in funds meant for public health aid.
The suspects, identified as Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, were apprehended over the weekend.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, disclosing that the amount allegedly misappropriated totalled N1,294,337,676.53. The arrest followed a formal complaint from the Katsina State Government, which accused the officials of diverting funds from international aid organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Preliminary investigations revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, allegedly approved the creation of an unauthorized bank account in the name of “BOIRS” at Sterling Bank. He reportedly assigned Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Accounts, and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as the sole signatories.
The EFCC noted that this account became a conduit for diverting the funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company allegedly controlled by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director of Career Skills and Staff Welfare at the Board.
Further investigation revealed that NADIKKO General Suppliers and associated accounts were used to launder the diverted funds.
“The stolen funds were traced to various bank accounts linked to the suspects,” Oyewale stated.
The EFCC spokesperson added that the suspects remain in custody at the Kano Zonal Command and would be charged to court following the completion of the investigation.