Yari Denies Link to ₦4bn Gold Seizure as EFCC Investigates Kano Airport Smuggling Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the interception of gold bars valued at about ₦4 billion at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, amid allegations linking former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, to the incident.
According to reports, the EFCC seized 15 suitcases containing gold bars that were allegedly being loaded onto an Ethiopian Airlines flight destined for Saudi Arabia. Three suspects, including a serving airport security officer, were arrested during the operation.
Sources familiar with the investigation claimed that some of the suspects allegedly mentioned Senator Yari during interrogation and accused him of having connections to illegal mining activities in parts of Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi states. The reports further alleged that individuals believed to be associated with the senator made attempts to gain access to security agencies following the arrests.
However, Senator Yari has strongly denied any involvement in the matter, describing the allegations as false, malicious and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, the former governor dismissed reports linking him to the seized gold consignment, insisting that he has no connection whatsoever to the case under investigation.
The statement noted that while the EFCC publicly identified individuals arrested in connection with the incident, the anti-graft agency did not name Senator Yari as either a suspect or a person of interest. It accused political opponents of orchestrating a campaign aimed at damaging the senator’s reputation and political standing.
Yari’s camp further maintained that the allegations were part of a coordinated smear campaign designed to undermine his growing political influence and relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement also disclosed that Senator Yari has directed his legal team to initiate legal action against individuals and media platforms involved in publishing and circulating the allegations.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued any official statement linking Senator Yari to the seized gold consignment. The commission, however, confirmed that the gold remains in its custody and that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
