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).

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.”