By Atoyebi Nike
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue and a First Bank staff over the alleged diversion of N1.23 billion in public funds.
The defendants, Nura Lawal, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim Mamman, Abubakar Saidu, Rabiu Adamu Abdullahi, and Adam Alhassan Albashir, appeared before Justice Musa Danladi of the Katsina State High Court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. They face seven counts bordering on conspiracy and conversion of funds.
According to the EFCC, the money, which came from the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), was meant for tax payments to the Katsina State government. Instead, investigators allege, it was funneled through an illegally opened account at Sterling Bank and laundered via NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Lawal.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors opposed their bail applications, but Justice Danladi granted each bail in the sum of N5 million, with one surety who must own verifiable property within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned to October 27, 2025, for trial.
The EFCC says the laundered funds have been traced to multiple accounts linked to the suspects.
