The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over the alleged diversion of N1.29 billion in public funds.
The Kano Zonal Command of the EFCC detained the suspects—Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri—following a petition from the Katsina State government.
The petition claimed that the funds, meant for healthcare projects funded by international organizations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), were misappropriated.
Secret Accounts and Dubious Transactions
EFCC investigations revealed a trail of illicit financial activities orchestrated by the suspects. Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and now the Permanent Secretary of the Board, allegedly authorized the creation of a Sterling Bank account named “BOIRS.”
The account was operated solely by Sanusi Mohammed Yaro and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro. Investigators found that funds earmarked for medical projects were funneled into this account. Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the arrests, stating, “The suspects are currently being detained at the Kano Zonal Command and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
The funds were reportedly laundered through a company named NADIKKO General Suppliers, owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director of Career Skills and Staff Welfare at the Board. EFCC sources disclosed that multiple bank accounts linked to the suspects have been traced, pointing to an elaborate scheme of financial mismanagement.
International Funding Misused
The funds in question were contributions from international organizations intended for critical health interventions in Katsina State. WHO, ALIMA, and Médecins Sans Frontières had allocated these resources to support health projects for underserved communities.
“This is a betrayal of trust, especially given the pressing health challenges in Nigeria,” said a public health advocate in Katsina, who asked to remain anonymous.
Health-related fraud of this magnitude has raised concerns about the integrity of public institutions handling foreign aid. A senior government official in Katsina decried the incident, noting, “This is not just theft; it undermines international partnerships crucial for our state’s development.”
EFCC’s Broader Anti-Corruption Drive
The arrests form part of the EFCC’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign aimed at curbing the misuse of public funds. In recent months, the agency has intensified efforts to investigate and prosecute cases of fraud involving public officials.
“Our mandate is clear: to ensure public funds are used for their intended purposes. We will pursue all leads and ensure justice is served,” Oyewale reiterated.
This latest development highlights the systemic issues plaguing revenue agencies in Nigeria, where weak oversight and collusion have allowed corruption to thrive.
Public Outcry and Demand for Reform
The revelations have sparked outrage among Katsina residents, who have called for swift action against the perpetrators. “This scandal shows why ordinary Nigerians are suffering. Money meant for healthcare is stolen while we lack basic services,” said Musa Adamu, a resident of Katsina.
Civil society organizations have urged the government to enforce stricter financial regulations to prevent future occurrences. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a statement demanding accountability and urging the EFCC to prosecute the case transparently.
A Pattern of Financial Misconduct?
This incident adds to a series of corruption cases involving revenue boards in Nigeria. Analysts suggest that the lack of transparency in handling internally generated revenue contributes to such fraudulent activities.
In 2023, the EFCC reported recovering over N200 billion in diverted public funds, underscoring the prevalence of financial misconduct across states. Experts believe systemic reforms, including digitalizing revenue collection processes, are critical to addressing the issue.
Next Steps
The suspects are expected to face charges of conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has pledged to intensify its investigation into the case, including probing other officials who might have been complicit in the fraud.
For the people of Katsina, the hope remains that justice will be served and that such incidents will not derail efforts to improve public services. As Nigeria grapples with corruption, cases like this serve as a grim reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in achieving accountability and good governance.
