The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Directorate, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, arraigned five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue Services (BOIRS) alongside a bank staff before Justice Musa Danladi of the Katsina State High Court.
The defendants face a seven-count charge of conspiracy and diversion of public funds totaling approximately N1.24 billion (One Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira). These funds were allocated to Katsina State from international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
The accused are:
Nura Lawal
Sanusi Mohammed Yaro
Ibrahim Mamman
Abubakar Saidu
Rabiu Adamu Abdullahi
Adam Alhassan Albashir (Public Sector Relationship Manager, First Bank)
The charge sheet alleges that between January 2022 and August 2024, these individuals conspired to unlawfully convert tax payments meant for Katsina State government to personal use. The prosecution cited Section 58 and Section 298 of the Katsina State Penal Code Law.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecution counsel, Mr. Musa Isah, requested a trial date to prove the allegations. The defense lawyers filed separate bail applications, which were opposed by the prosecution.
After reviewing submissions from both sides, Justice Danladi granted bail to all defendants on the condition of posting Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) each, along with one reliable surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and own verified landed property.
The trial was adjourned to October 27, 2025.
Investigations revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, former Director of Collections and current Permanent Secretary of the Board, authorized the opening of a “BOIRS” account at Sterling Bank. The account was managed solely by Sanusi Mohammed Yaro and Ibrahim Mamman.
Funds flowing through this account were allegedly funneled to NADIKKO General Suppliers, owned by Nura Lawal, an Assistant Director at BOIRS. NADIKKO served as the primary conduit for laundering the stolen funds, which were traced to the defendants’ bank accounts.
---
For continuing coverage of anti-corruption efforts and legal proceedings, visit 🌐 www.stonereportersnews.com
Follow us on Facebook: 📣 Stone Reports
Add comment
Comments