Fresh revelations have emerged linking a staggering ₦1.7 trillion to former Zamfara State Governor and current Senator, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, in an unfolding investigation involving allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering.
According to investigators, the massive funds were traced to accounts associated with Engr. Abdulkarim Tsafe, a former Chief of Staff to Yari, as well as Kayatawa Nigeria Limited, a company reportedly owned and operated by the ex-governor. Authorities say part of the funds was allegedly used in the acquisition of the Geregu Power Plant.
The development has raised serious concerns among security and financial intelligence officials, who described the scale of the transactions as unprecedented for a single individual within the Nigerian financial system.
This is not the first time Yari’s financial dealings have come under scrutiny. In 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the forfeiture of funds linked to him and his companies, including various sums held in accounts with Polaris Bank and Zenith Bank.
Further reports indicate that in 2022, Yari was arrested over alleged fraud involving ₦84 billion and ₦22 billion. During questioning by security agencies, he reportedly mentioned former President Muhammadu Buhari and former First Lady Aisha Buhari in connection with parts of the funds. Sources claim that following this disclosure, Buhari ordered his release—an allegation that remains highly controversial and unverified in official records.
International attention has also reportedly been drawn to the case. Financial authorities in the United Arab Emirates are said to have flagged Yari’s activities, sharing intelligence with counterparts in the United States, where he has allegedly been classified as a “person of interest.”
Additionally, Yari is alleged to have significant business interests in gold trading within Dubai’s Gold Souk, with suspicions that the gold may be linked to illegal mining operations in Zamfara State.
As investigations continue, there has been no official statement from Senator Yari addressing the latest allegations. Observers say the outcome of the probe could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and financial oversight systems.
