The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano zonal command, has arraigned five senior officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue and a First Bank manager for allegedly diverting N1.2 billion in tax remittances meant for the state government.
The suspects – Nura Lawal, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim Mamman, Abubakar Saidu, Rabiu Adamu Abdullahi, all officials of the revenue board and Adam Alhassan Albashir, a Public Sector Relationship Manager with First Bank were arraigned before Justice Musa Danladi of the Katsina State High Court on Tuesday.
A statement issued by EFCC on Wednesday revealed that the suspects face a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy and criminal diversion of N1,235,330,000, which was tax revenue from international NGOs, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and ALIMA.
According to the anti-graft agency, the funds were allegedly laundered between January 2022 and August 2024, through a Sterling Bank account named “BOIRS,” which was authorised by Rabiu Abdullahi, now a Permanent Secretary. The account was reportedly used to channel funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by one of the accused, Nura Lawal.
However, all six defendants pleaded not guilty before the court.
Justice Danladi granted each bail at N5 million with one surety and adjourned the case to October 27 for trial.
