The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officers of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue for allegedly diverting over N1bn belonging to the state government.
In a statement on Monday, the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the individuals were arrested in response to a petition from the Katsina state government.
The suspects allegedly syphoned funds from the World Health Organisation, Medicins Sans Frontiers, and Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
The suspects are Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri.
The commission’s initial investigation revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, approved the opening of a bank account in the name of ”BOIRS” at Sterling Bank.
He allegedly designated Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Account, and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as sole signatories.
The account was used to transfer cash to NADIKKO General Suppliers, held by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, Assistant Director of Career Skills/Staff Welfare at the Board.
Nura Lawal and his company ”NADIKKO” were identified as the primary facilitators for transferring stolen monies. The alleged laundered cash was tracked to the suspects’ numerous bank accounts.
The accused persons are currently in the custody of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Command and will face court charges once the investigations are completed, said Oyewale.