Kano Stakeholders Rally Behind Dubai-Based Businessman Declared Wanted by EFCC
Community Leaders Defend Auwalu Tijjani Rabi’u Amid Fraud Allegations
Prominent stakeholders from Kano Municipal Local Government Area have launched a vigorous defense of Dubai-based businessman Auwalu Tijjani Rabi’u, who was recently declared wanted by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The community leaders describe the allegations against their native son as a gross misrepresentation of facts in what they claim is actually a civil business dispute.
The EFCC’s Allegations
Last month, the anti-graft agency issued a public notice declaring Rabi’u wanted for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, and money laundering involving $1,931,700.12. The 42-year-old businessman, originally from Dala Local Government in Kano, promptly denied the charges, threatening legal action against the EFCC for what he called damage to his reputation.
Community Backing
Speaking on behalf of Kano Municipal stakeholders, elder statesman Abdullahi Ishak Badamasi presented a detailed counter-narrative. “We stand firmly by our son,” Badamasi declared. “We know him as a philanthropist, honest and a man of integrity. This portrayal as a fraudster is completely at odds with the man we’ve known for decades.”
The Business Dispute Explained
According to community leaders, the controversy stems from a 2023 business transaction between Rabi’u and one Ifeanyi Ezeokolu that allegedly went awry. The stakeholders claim:
- Rabi’u made overpayments totaling $3,219,250 to companies linked to Ezeokolu
- Upon discovering discrepancies, Rabi’u properly reported the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS)
- The DSS engaged independent auditors OA Consulting Ltd. for forensic analysis
- Ezeokolu allegedly refused to provide two key bank account records during the audit
Questioning EFCC’s Role
Badamasi expressed bewilderment at the EFCC’s involvement, arguing the matter should remain a civil case. “Why is our son being treated like a criminal when all evidence shows he was the victim in this transaction?” he asked rhetorically. “The initial agreement was to transfer dollars to 11 accounts to receive naira from Ezeokolu, but only 9 genuine accounts were provided, leaving our brother losing almost $2 million.”
Call for Intervention
The Kano stakeholders have called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to intervene in what they describe as an injustice. They also criticized the EFCC’s characterization of Rabi’u as merely a “Kano businessman,” suggesting this language unfairly tarnishes the reputation of Kano’s entire business community.
“This moment should not divide us,” the statement reads, “but reaffirm our shared commitment to truth, accountability and peaceful coexistence.”
Appeal for Fair Process
The community leaders urged Ezeokolu to cooperate fully with authorities by providing all financial records. They emphasized Rabi’u’s history of transparent business dealings and respect for legal processes, contrasting this with what they view as the EFCC’s premature judgment.
“No amount of misrepresentation of facts would portray our son as fraudster,” Badamasi stated firmly. “We have to speak out because if we remain silent, we have failed him as our son.”
As the controversy continues, all eyes remain on how the EFCC will respond to these community protests and whether political leaders will heed the call for intervention in this high-stakes financial dispute.
Full credit to the original publisher: KANO FOCUS