FORMER governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has denied allegations of owning properties in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), particularly Dubai, as a purported list of those who own properties outside the country makes the round on social media.

His spokesman, Israel Ebije, said in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday that the allegations were false and mischievous.

The former governor dared those circulating the allegations to do their investigations and provide proof of the allegation, sating their intention was to expose him to ridicule and scrutiny of anti-graft operatives, wondering if he would have been mentioned on the list if he had deflected to the ruling party.

He urged those behind the report to produce evidence, including pictures and mode of payments to buttress their claims, adding that falsehood would not add value to the ongoing war against corruption.

“I do not have properties in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, as peddled by some media organisations. I don’t even own a mattress outside Nigeria.

“They should do their investigation and if I am found guilty of owning any property in UAE, the federal government should appropriate them.

“I wish, therefore, to tell Nigerians to discard the allegation. It is not true; it is mischievous, misleading and aimed at rubbishing my name.

“I am totally committed to the President Muhammadu Buhari decisive effort towards repatriating stolen funds and his plan towards making political offices less palatable and incidence of impunity as low as possible.

“I am, however, concerned over baseless accusations peddled against my person,” he said.

He added that a situation where politicians in the opposition party were being targeted as looters removes credibility from the fight against corruption.

While insisting that the war against corruption goes across the board, Aliyu said he belongs to the class of politicians who did not loot public funds and led the G-7 (new PDP governors) to fight against impunity, adding that his decision to remain with his party has exposed him to allegations of financial crimes.