242
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The sum of ₦1.7 trillion has allegedly been traced to accounts linked to former Zamfara State governor and current senator, Abdulaziz Yari, over claims of terrorism financing and money laundering.
The publisher of Pointblanknews, Jackson Use made the allegation in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that investigators uncovered large financial flows connected to Yari through accounts linked to Engr. Abdulkarim (Abdullahi) Tsafe, described as a former aide, as well as Kayatawa Nigeria Limited, a company reportedly owned by the ex-governor.
“A whopping sum of ₦1.7 trillion has been traced to the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, in what has kept investigators in awe as to how such funds can be traced to just one person’s account,” Ude wrote.
He further claimed that the funds were routed through multiple bank accounts and entities. “The huge sums were traced to accounts belonging to Engr. Abdulkarim (Abdullahi) Tsafe, a former Chief of Staff to Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari and Kayatawa Nigeria Limited, a company owned and operated by the former Governor,” he stated.
According to Ude, part of the funds was allegedly used in the acquisition of the Geregu Power Plant. “Investigators noted that the ₦1.7 trillion was part of the funds used in purchasing the Geregu Power Plant,” he added, although no official confirmation was provided.
Providing further details, Ude listed specific sums allegedly found in different bank accounts. “While $56,056.75 was lodged in a Polaris Bank account, the sums of ₦12.9 million, ₦11.2 million, $301,319.99, ₦217,388.04 and $311,872.15 were kept in different Zenith Bank accounts in the name of Mr. Yari and his companies,” he wrote.
He also referenced a prior court action. “In 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the forfeiture of funds belonging to Yari and his companies,” Ude noted.
The post further alleged that during a 2022 probe involving billions of naira, Yari made statements implicating top figures. “In 2022 when he was arrested over ₦84 billion and ₦22 billion fraud, in his statement to security agencies, he listed Buhari and Aisha as those who gave parts of the money to him. Upon hearing about his statement to security agencies, Buhari immediately ordered his release,” Ude claimed.
Ude also alleged that the matter drew international attention. “Yari’s financial activities have been flagged by officials in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, who have equally shared information to the U.S. authorities, resulting in his classification as a ‘person of interest’ by the two nations,” he wrote, adding that the senator allegedly has significant interests in gold trading at the Dubai Gold Souk.
Yari served as governor of Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019 and currently represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He remains a prominent political figure in northern Nigeria and has previously faced scrutiny over financial dealings, which he has denied.
As of the time of filing this report, Yari has not responded to the allegations.