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 after 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 from funds allegedly diverted from tax payments made by international organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and ALIMA.
The agency said the money was moved into a private bank account by officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue Service and some bank workers.
The EFCC said 12 suspects were charged in court, with six already convicted after pleading guilty, while the others are still on trial.
In the second case, the commission 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 tied to the payments.
Speaking during the handover, EFCC Kano Zonal Director Friday S. Ebelo said the agency remained committed to protecting public funds and ensuring 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 financial misconduct, saying the EFCC would continue to pursue all forms of corruption.
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the state government, Dr Kabir Abdullahi Yantumaki thanked the EFCC for its work and assured that the money would be paid into the state’s official revenue account for public use.
