The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has handed over recovered funds totaling ₦837,485,389 to the Katsina State Government following investigations into separate cases involving the diversion of public funds.
The recovered money was officially presented by the Kano Zonal Directorate of the commission on Monday, May 18, 2026.
According to the EFCC, ₦547,015,389 was recovered after investigations into the alleged diversion of nearly ₦1.3 billion in statutory tax remittances belonging to the state government.
The anti-graft agency said the funds, which came from international organisations including World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières and ALIMA, were allegedly diverted into a private bank account by six officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue Service and three bank workers.
The commission disclosed that 12 suspects were charged to court in connection with the case. Six of the suspects have reportedly been convicted after pleading guilty, while the remaining six are still facing trial before the Katsina State High Court.
In a separate case, the EFCC recovered ₦290,470,000 linked to an alleged fraud uncovered through a 2021 intelligence report.
The commission said investigations revealed that former Sub-Treasurer, Sani Lawal BK, and former Deputy Sub-Treasurer, Saadu Maiwada, allegedly diverted funds from the Katsina State Sub-Treasury Expenditure Account into personal companies through unauthorized cash withdrawals.
According to the EFCC, no contracts were awarded and no services were rendered to justify the withdrawals.
The suspects were arraigned on July 11, 2023, on charges bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of public funds at both federal and state high courts. The trials are ongoing, with witnesses already testifying before the courts.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate, Zonal Director, Friday S. Ebelo, said the recovery reflected the commission’s commitment to safeguarding public funds and holding public officials accountable.
Ebelo urged the Katsina State Government to use the recovered money for projects that would benefit residents of the state.
“This money belongs to the people of Katsina State, and I will urge that same be used for the betterment of the people of Katsina State,” he said.
He also warned public officials against financial misconduct, stressing that the commission would continue to investigate all forms of corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the state government, Kabir Abdullahi Yantumaki thanked the EFCC for its efforts and professionalism.
Yantumaki assured that the money would be paid into the state’s consolidated revenue account and used for the benefit of citizens.