EFCC Charges Katsina Revenue Officials and Bank Manager for Alleged Diversion of ₦1.2 Billion Tax Funds

In a recent high-profile legal action, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Kano zonal office, has brought formal charges against five top-ranking officials from the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue along with a First Bank manager, over allegations of misappropriating a staggering ₦1.2 billion in state tax revenue.

Details of the EFCC’s Legal Action in Katsina

On Tuesday, before Justice Musa Danladi of the Katsina State High Court, the EFCC arraigned the following individuals:

• Nura Lawal
• Sanusi Mohammed Yaro
• Ibrahim Mamman
• Abubakar Saidu
• Rabiu Adamu Abdullahi (all internal revenue officials)
• Adam Alhassan Albashir, who serves as a Public Sector Relationship Manager at First Bank Nigeria

These individuals are facing a seven-count charge centered on criminal conspiracy and the alleged misdirection of public tax revenues totaling ₦1,235,330,000.

Source of the Misappropriated Funds

According to a statement released by the EFCC on Wednesday, the funds in question were originally tax remittances from international humanitarian and health-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These organizations include:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
• Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA)

These remittances were allegedly siphoned off from January 2022 to August 2024, using a Sterling Bank account labeled “BOIRS.” This account, according to the EFCC, was authorized by Rabiu Abdullahi, who is now serving as a Permanent Secretary in the state.

Company Link and Money Laundering Allegations

The EFCC further stated that the diverted funds were traced to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a corporate entity owned and operated by Nura Lawal, one of the accused revenue officials. This company reportedly served as the final destination for the laundered money, underlining a deliberate and systematic attempt to mask the financial misconduct.

Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

All six defendants firmly denied the charges and pleaded not guilty during the court session. Following their arraignment, Justice Danladi granted bail to each of the accused persons, setting the amount at ₦5 million per defendant, with the additional requirement of providing one surety each.

The matter has now been adjourned to October 27, 2025, when the trial is expected to begin in earnest, possibly unveiling more information on the financial irregularities and network behind the alleged crime.