The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has handed over recovered funds totaling N837.5 million to the Katsina State Government following investigations into separate alleged fraud cases involving public funds.
According to the Spokesman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, N547 million was recovered after investigations into the alleged diversion of nearly N1.3 billion in statutory tax remittances belonging to the state government.
The EFCC said the funds, reportedly sourced from international organisations including the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières and ALIMA, were allegedly diverted into a private bank account by six officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue Service and three bank employees.
The commission said 12 suspects were arraigned in connection with the case, adding that six had been convicted after pleading guilty, while six others are still standing trial before the Katsina State High Court.
EFCC also disclosed that another N290.47 million was recovered in a separate investigation linked to alleged fraudulent withdrawals from the Katsina State Sub-Treasury Expenditure Account.
The agency alleged that former Sub-Treasurer, Sani Lawal BK, and former Deputy Sub-Treasurer, Saadu Maiwada, diverted the funds through personal companies using unauthorised cash withdrawals.
According to the commission, investigations showed that no contracts were awarded and no services rendered to justify the withdrawals.
The suspects were arraigned on July 11, 2023, on charges bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of funds before Federal and State High Courts, where trials are ongoing.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate, the Zonal Director, Friday S. Ebelo, said the recoveries reflected the commission’s commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring accountability.
“This money belongs to the people of Katsina State, and I will urge that same be used for the betterment of the people of Katsina State,” Ebelo said.
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the state government, Dr. Kabir Abdullahi Yantumaki, Executive Director of Standard and Compliance at the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service, commended the EFCC for its efforts and pledged that the funds would be remitted into the state’s consolidated revenue account for public use.
