EFCC Hands Over Recovered N837.5m To Katsina Govt Over Fraud Cases

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has handed over N837.5 million recovered from two separate fraud cases to the Katsina State Government.

The money was presented on Monday at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate following investigations into the diversion of public funds linked to tax remittances and the state treasury.

In the first case, the EFCC recovered over N547 million allegedly diverted from tax payments made by international organisations, including the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and ALIMA.

The commission said the funds were allegedly moved into a private bank account by officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue Service in collaboration with some bank workers.

According to the EFCC, 12 suspects were arraigned in court, with six already convicted after pleading guilty, while the remaining suspects are still standing trial.

In the second case, the anti-graft agency recovered over N290 million linked to alleged fraud involving former treasury officials in Katsina State.

Investigators said the money was transferred to personal companies through unauthorised withdrawals despite no contracts or services being attached to the payments.

Speaking during the handover, the EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Friday S. Ebelo, said the commission remained committed to safeguarding public funds and promoting accountability.

“This money belongs to the people of Katsina State, and I will urge that the same be used for the betterment of the people of Katsina State,” he said.

Ebelo also warned public officials against engaging in financial misconduct, stressing that the EFCC would continue to pursue corruption cases.

Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the state government, Dr. Kabir Abdullahi Yantumaki thanked the EFCC for its efforts and assured that the money would be paid into the state’s official revenue account for public use.