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Alleged $1.9m fraud: Stakeholders defend Kano bizman on EFCC wanted list

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Stakeholders in Municipal Local Government area of Kano state have come out in defence of Dubai-based businessman, Auwalu Tijjani Rabi’u, who was recently declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.

Recall that last month, the EFCC released a statement issued by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, declaring Rabiu wanted in connection with a case of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and money laundering, amounting to $1,931,700.12.

Days after the statement, Rabi’u, an indigene of Dala Local Government in Kano, came out to ask EFCC to withdraw it or face litigation for damaging his reputation.

The 42-year old international businessman expressed surprised at the EFCC’s alleged twist of truth as he was allegedly cheated in a business transaction with one Ifeanyi Ezeokolu but the anti-graft agency portrayed him as fraudster.

In a statement by Abdullahi Ishak Badamasi an elder in Kano Municipal, on behalf of the stakeholders said they are firmly standing by Rabi’u as their son and a man of integrity.

In the statement, issued to journalists in Kano on Sunday, Alhaji Badamasi described Rabi’u as philanthropist, honest and transparent in all his dealings, reaffirming their support to him.

Narrating the incident that led to the Rabi’u’s travails, Alhaji Badamasi explained that in 2023, business transactions between him and Ezeokolu resulted in overpayment, totalling $3,219,250 to companies linked to him (Ezeokoli).

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According to Alhaji Badamasi, upon identifying the discrepancies, Rabi’u formally reported the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) for impartial investigation, saying “it is an approach reflecting due diligence and good faith.”

He said the DSS, in the course of its investigation, engaged an independent audit firm, OA Consulting Ltd., to conduct a forensic audit.

“However, the process was hindered by Mr. Ezeokoli’s refusal to provide two key bank account records. Despite the limited access to financial data, the audit report revealed substantial overpayments.

“Rather than cooperating further or refunding the verified amounts, Mr. Ezeokoli escalated the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a surprising move considering that the case is clearly a civil financial issue, not a criminal matter,” he said.

The elder wondered why the EFCC, after all the clear evidences and forensic analysis of the accounts of the both parties conducted by an independent auditor, turned blind to the truth and portrayed Rabi’u as fraudster.

He therefore said; ” No amount of misrepresentation of facts would portray our son as fraudster. We stand firmly by our son. We know him as a philanthropist, honest and man of integrity.

“We have to speak out because of we are silent, so we have failed him as our son.

“We believe he is innocent in this case. He overpaid in the transaction after he was literally dipped because the initial agreement of the transaction was to transfer dollars to 11 accounts to receive Naira from Ezeokolu.

“However, the Ezeokolu provided only 9 genuine accounts, living out brother losing almost $2 million. But despite this, our son is now wanted by EFCC. This is a sheer injustice and we would not condone it,” he said.

He therefore called on Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ko to intervene in the matter.

In the statement , the stakeholders also condemn what they said, the EFCC’s attempts to “mischaracterize ‘” Alhaji Auwalu as merely a “Kano businessman,” noting that such language appears calculated to damage not only his personal reputation but the image of Kano State and its peaceful business community.

” Rabi’u’s consistent reliance on lawful channels, transparency and respect for due process reflects his unwavering commitment to ethical business conduct,” he added.

Alhaji Badamasi also called on Mr. Ezeokoli to cooperate with relevant authorities, provide the outstanding financial records and uphold principles of fair commercial practice.

“This moment should not divide us,” the statement reads, “but reaffirm our shared commitment to truth, accountability and peaceful coexistence.”

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Governor Yusuf Sacks Sagagi as Kano Commissioner Of Commerce

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi of his appointment as Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the former Commissioner is directed to hand over the affairs of the ministry to the Director Commerce with immediate effect.

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Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for the services rendered by the former commissioner during his tenure.

He acknowledged Sagagi’s contributions to the development of the state, particularly in the areas of politics, religion, small and medium enterprises.

The Governor wished him success in his future endeavours as he reassured the public of his administration’s continued commitment to efficient service delivery and good governance in the state.

This decision is part of the ongoing strategic realighment of government structures for systematic growth and sustainable development.

 

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Terrorist Logistics Suppliers Apprehended in Borno

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have apprehended 18 suspected logistics suppliers allegedly enroute Gubio, with plans to proceed to the Gudumbali axis, a known Boko Haram terrorists, BHTs, enclave.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, have apprehended 18 suspected logistics suppliers allegedly enroute Gubio, with plans to proceed to the Gudumbali axis, a known Boko Haram terrorists, BHTs, enclave.

This is contained in a daily operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.

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The military said the suspects were intercepted while travelling towards the location to deliver the goods to the terrorists.

According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that all 18 suspects confessed to engaging in the supply of goods to the terrorist group.

“They admitted that they routinely purchase and convey items to the terrorists.

“Their justification was lack of employment, which points to a deeper socio-economic challenge in Maiduguri and its environs,” the army said.

The development, according to the reportt, validates recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff on the link between economic hardship and the sustenance of insurgency logistics networks.

“The arrest highlights the critical role of civilian collaborators in sustaining terrorist operations, particularly in remote areas such as Gubio and Gudumbali,” it added.

The army called for a comprehensive approach combining military operations with economic empowerment and job creation to address the root causes of insurgency in the region.

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Kano Gov’t  Offers Study Scholarship to SWAN Members

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

Kano state government has  facilitated and supported   members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Kano chapter  to proceed to pursue professional certification courses  in sports journalism, our correspondent reports .

The Special  Adviser , youths and sports to Kano state governor, Sani Musa Danja, disclosed that the offer covers their tuition fees.

He said ,   the beneficiaries  have been identified and their enrolment process have been completed.

According to him,  through interactions with stakeholders , the decision was reached for  some sports writers, who  are faced with the challenge of acquiring the required professional qualification to practice their trade should be given support to fill the gap.

said, findings have revealed that , for Kano sports writers to compete favorably there exists the urgent need to empower members of the association  to acquire certain requisite qualification to enable them feature amongst the best in Nigeria and beyond.

Danja speaking, when he hosted SWAN members in his  office , located within the premises of Kano state Library Complex, along Ahmadu Bello Way said that  the state government, under Abba Kabir Yusuf ,  on discovering this major   challenge , acted swiftly to address the lapses, by offering  to sponsor 10 SWAN  members to pursue professional diploma in Sports Journalism at El Roi London University.

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In his word  “ we give thanks to almighty Allah for his mercies, I want to thank our mentor and leader, his excellency governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf , who made this possible.

“his excellency takes the issue of empowering our people very seriously, the challenge facing our sports journalists is principally the issue of professional certification, some of our sports journalists have their degrees in other fields, but we are aware that, they also require to obtain certain  minimum qualification in journalism or other related fields to help them to excel .

“in line with the policy of the government of his excellency, we have moved in to make sure , these sons and daughter of Kano overcome  this hinderance that may hinder their professional progress.

“the sports media is the back bone of sports development and sports promotion, our government is focused and committed to  support and reshape the sports media to achieve the set out goal to empower Kano youths through sports.

“the mission  of his excellency through this gesture is   to empower our professional sports journalists and give them the required qualification to continue with their pursuit to upward steadily representation of  Kano state in that sector.

 

Danja hinted that,  Kano state government remains unrepentant  in its  upward investment drive to create a generation  of professionals that  would keep the state afloat on the terrain of quality and abundance human resources.

Reacting, chairman SWAN Kano chapter, comrade Zahradeen Saleh thanked the state government for the support.

He said, the scholarship offer is an major step towards uplifting the practice of sports journalism in the state.

He said the dividends of sports could only  accrue with the effective operations of the sporting press through the training and re-training of sports writers.

He admitted that, acquiring the requisite qualification to practice  sports journalism has been one of the major challenges confronting members of the association.

“ our members  who are the beneficiaries of this offer are  youths, on completion of the professional course, they will have stable professional growth and  would be better equipped to contribute their quota to the development of the state.” Zahradeen said .

 

 

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