EFCC returns N387m recovered from fraudsters to Jigawa State government
EFCC Returns N387 Million to Jigawa State Government
KANO, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today returned 387,483,488 Nigerian Naira to the Jigawa State Government after concluding an investigation into the alleged diversion of public funds.
The handover took place at the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate, where the funds were presented to Muhammad Haruna, the state’s Director of Treasury Operations.
This recovery stemmed from intelligence provided by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which identified suspicious transactions linked to two individuals, Abdullahi Garba and Ayuba Sani. Following the tip-off, EFCC operatives initiated an investigation that led to the recovery of the full amount from the suspects.
Subsequently, both individuals were charged in court for their involvement in the alleged misappropriation. Garba pleaded guilty and received a two-year prison sentence, while Sani’s trial is ongoing.
During the handover ceremony, Friday S. Ebelo, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, emphasized the agency’s commitment to restoring stolen public funds. “The EFCC will continue to pursue the recovery of proceeds of crime and ensure that justice is served. Funds meant for the development of citizens must not be diverted for private gain,” Ebelo stated.
Haruna expressed gratitude on behalf of the Jigawa State Government for the EFCC’s efforts in preserving public resources. “We are thankful to the EFCC for its diligence in recovering this significant amount on behalf of the people of Jigawa State. This effort reinforces the importance of anti-corruption institutions in protecting public funds,” he said, adding that the recovered money would ultimately benefit the citizens of the state.
