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Alleged $1.9m fraud: Stakeholders defend Kano bizman on EFCC wanted list
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.
KANO FOCUS 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.”
Ibrahim Khalil
Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.
The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.
According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.
“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.
Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.
According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.
The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.
During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.
He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.
On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.
The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited, has donated a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano State, in a move aimed at improving access to advanced diagnostic healthcare services.
KANO FOCUS reports that the MRI system was commissioned and officially handed over during a ceremony held at the hospital premises in Kano on Thursday.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Andy Odeh, the intervention is part of the company’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services across Nigeria.
The statement noted that the facility would significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic, neurological, trauma-related, musculoskeletal, and gynaecological conditions.
Before the donation, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced challenges, including long-distance travel, lengthy waiting periods, and delays in treatment due to limited availability and high costs.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, represented by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the donation aligns with the company’s broader objective of contributing to national healthcare development.
“At NNPC Limited, we are intentional about ensuring that our social investments are impactful, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve. Through the NNPC Foundation, we will continue to implement interventions that create measurable social value across Nigeria,” she said.
Arukwe described the intervention as timely, noting that it would help address challenges associated with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited medical equipment, and the growing demand for specialised medical services.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services of NNPC Limited, Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, represented by the Executive Director, Programme Management at the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Rose Okonkwo, said the company remained committed to improving the lives of Nigerians beyond its core oil and gas operations.
She said the donation reflected NNPC Limited’s determination to deliver sustainable and impactful interventions, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.
“By this intervention, NNPC Limited aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life of the people of Kano State, the North-West region, and all Nigerians who depend on the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, for specialised medical care,” she stated.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, commended the NNPC Foundation for the donation, describing it as a major milestone in improving healthcare services through early and accurate diagnosis.
He noted that access to advanced diagnostic equipment would contribute significantly to better patient outcomes and improved healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Dr. Isa Nurudeen, expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited for the intervention.
He said the MRI machine would have a transformative impact on the hospital’s operations and significantly improve the quality of specialised healthcare services offered to patients.
The event was attended by officials of NNPC Limited, management and staff of the hospital, government representatives, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
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