The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intercepted 15 suitcases containing gold bars valued at approximately ₦4 billion at the Aminu Kano International Airport. The consignment was being loaded onto an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Saudi Arabia when it was seized.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation, including Aliyu Baffa, a serving airport security officer, and two accomplices. According to EFCC sources and airport security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the suspects voluntarily confessed that the gold was being smuggled out of the country on the instruction of Senator Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar, former Governor of Zamfara State.
The suspects further alleged that they are part of a cartel involved in illegal mining operations across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi States, which they claim is controlled by Senator Yari.
A senior airport security official recounted: “Our personnel observed suspicious items concealed in 15 suitcases during cargo loading. We immediately alerted the EFCC, leading to the interception of the physical gold bars.
Following the arrests, a political associate of Senator Yari identified as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly contacted EFCC officials seeking the release of the seized gold. The request was declined. The associate was also denied access to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and airport authorities. He was advised to inform Senator Yari to report to the EFCC for questioning, after the detained suspects named the former governor as the alleged principal actor
In a related development, a serving Member of the House of Representatives, described as a known confidant of Senator Yari, was sighted at the EFCC Kano Zonal Office in company of two other individuals.
Senator Yari has previously faced allegations of involvement in illegal mining and the diversion of stamp duty revenues, with claims that proceeds were channeled into funding the ADC. He has not been charged in connection with those allegations.
As of press time, Senator Yari had not responded to multiple telephone calls and 21 text messages seeking his comment on the current allegations.
The EFCC confirmed that the seized gold remains in its custody and that investigations are ongoing.