The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has detained five top officials of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service over allegations of diverting a staggering N1.29 billion meant for the state’s coffers.
Sources within the anti-graft agency revealed that the arrested officials are suspected of orchestrating a complex scheme to siphon funds generated from taxpayers, crippling the state’s revenue system.
The funds, reportedly collected from various revenue sources across the state, were allegedly diverted into personal accounts over several months. Investigations suggest that the suspects may have used fake documents and unauthorized accounts to execute the fraudulent transactions.
A spokesperson for the EFCC confirmed the arrests, stating, “This is part of our ongoing efforts to sanitize revenue collection systems across the country. Those entrusted with public resources must be held accountable.”
The diversion of funds has sparked outrage among Katsina residents, with many calling for justice and stringent measures to prevent future occurrences. “This is a betrayal of public trust,” said a local activist. “Katsina is already grappling with developmental challenges, and such acts only worsen the plight of ordinary citizens.”
The state government has yet to issue an official statement, but insiders suggest Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration is cooperating fully with the EFCC to ensure those responsible are brought to book.
The arrests are a wake-up call for transparency and accountability in revenue management. All eyes are now on the EFCC as it delves deeper into the case, promising to leave no stone unturned in recovering the stolen funds.
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