Zamfara: Group writes EFCC over alleged diversion of N499m fertiliser fund

A group, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over diversion of N499m meant for the purchase of fertiliser by former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulazeez Yari.

The petition sent to the Commission’s chairman through the Sokoto Zonal Office demanded an investigation and possibly, prosecution of Yari and the Managing Director, Zamfara Agricultural Supply Company Limited, for illegal withdrawals, misappropriation of funds belonging to the state government.

PAPSD’s Executive Director, Dr. Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi, alleged that “the Fertiliser Dealers’ Associations in Zamfara State deposited N370,800,000 only, which is equivalent to the value of 103 trucks and 278 bags of fertiliser into Zamfara State Agricultural Supply Company Limited Fertiliser Sales’ Account, domiciled in Access Bank, Gusau Branch with Account Number 0029140950.

“The money deposited was for payment of allocation of 103 trucks and 278 bags of fertiliser for 2019 farming season, up to the end of the second tenure of the former Governor Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari. No fertiliser was released and funds were not refunded to them for the past two years.

It would be recalled that on April 21, 2021, EFCC arrested Yari over alleged illegal financial dealings and misappropriation of funds.

Also in February, Yari was grilled in Lagos, while the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on January 26, 2021, ordered the final forfeiture of funds belonging to him domiciled in Zenith and Polaris banks.