Allegations of Terrorist Financing and Money Laundering Surface Against Abdulaziz Yari
Recent investigations have revealed that approximately N1.7 trillion is linked to accounts associated with Abdulaziz Yari, the former governor of Zamfara State and current senator. This substantial amount raises serious allegations of terrorist financing and money laundering.
Jackson Yous, publisher of Pointblanknews, asserted in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account that investigators uncovered a significant flow of funds connected to Yari through accounts associated with Engr. Abdulkarim (Abdullahi) Tzafe, a former aide, as well as Kayatawa Nigeria Limited, a company believed to be owned by Yari.
According to Udeh, a staggering N1.7 trillion has been traced back to Yari, leaving investigators astonished at the implications of such a vast sum being affiliated with a single individual. The inquiry suggests these funds have circulated through various bank accounts and entities, complicating the financial trail.
Details provided by Udeh indicate that a portion of these funds may have been utilized in acquiring the Gelegu power plant, although no official confirmation has been offered regarding this transaction. The report suggests that investigators believe N1.7 trillion was involved in the purchase of the Gereg power plant.
Additionally, Udeh outlined specific amounts allegedly discovered across different bank accounts. For instance, an account at Polaris Bank reportedly reflected a deposit of $56,056.75. In another account at Zenith Bank, linked to both Mr. Yari and his company, there were deposits totaling ₦12.9 million, ₦11.2 million, and various sums in U.S. dollars amounting to $301,319.99, $217,388.04, and $311,872.15.
Udeh also noted the previous legal troubles facing Yari, mentioning a 2021 Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that mandated the forfeiture of funds related to Yari and his businesses. During a 2022 investigation concerning fraud amountsing to N84 billion and N22 billion, Yari reportedly implicated prominent figures, including Buhari and Aisha, suggesting they had provided him with some of these funds. This statement led to Yari’s immediate release by Buhari.
The allegations have reportedly gained international scrutiny. Udeh mentioned that the financial activities of Yari have drawn the attention of officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and U.S. authorities, resulting in his classification as a “person of interest” in both nations. It is suggested that Yari holds a notable stake in gold trading at the Dubai Gold Souq.
Yari, who governed Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019, currently represents the Zamfara West Senatorial District in Nigeria’s National Assembly. As a prominent figure in northern Nigeria, he continues to face intense scrutiny regarding his financial dealings, which he adamantly denies.
As of this report, Mr. Yari has not issued any public comments in response to these serious allegations.
