BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kaduna
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to launch a comprehensive investigation into a series of allegations against former Zamfara State governor and serving senator, Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari, warning that it will initiate legal action if authorities fail to act within the stipulated period.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant anti-corruption and security agencies to urgently investigate claims relating to alleged illegal mining activities, financial impropriety and suspected links between illicit mineral trade and insecurity in the North-West.
Ohanaeze said the allegations were of significant national importance and required immediate scrutiny by agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), and relevant parliamentary committees.
The organisation expressed concern over allegations that proceeds from illegal mining operations were allegedly used to facilitate the acquisition of a controlling stake in Gereru Power Plc through Ma’am Energy Limited.
According to the statement, questions have been raised regarding the ownership structure of the company involved in the transaction, the source of funds used for the acquisition and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Ohanaeze further urged authorities to investigate alleged illegal mining networks operating across Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi states, claiming that such activities, if established, could be contributing to revenue losses for the Federal Government and fuelling criminal enterprises in the region.
The group also called for an independent forensic audit of companies and financial transactions allegedly linked to the senator, including a review of beneficial ownership structures, anti-money laundering compliance and banking activities.
“There exists urgent public concern that proceeds from illegal mining activities in the North-West may be indirectly sustaining or enabling violent non-state actors operating in affected regions,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze, however, stressed that only a thorough and impartial investigation by competent authorities could determine the veracity or otherwise of the allegations.
The organisation warned that continued inaction by relevant institutions could undermine public confidence, weaken national security efforts and negatively affect investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
It consequently demanded the immediate commencement of federal investigations, public disclosure of investigative actions by relevant agencies, a forensic audit of all entities allegedly linked to the senator and a parliamentary review of solid minerals governance in affected states.
The group stated that should the Federal Government fail to take action within 14 days, it would institute legal proceedings aimed at compelling enforcement action and ensuring accountability through lawful judicial processes.
Ohanaeze maintained that its intervention was motivated by concerns for transparency, constitutional governance and national stability rather than political considerations.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Yari had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the statement, and efforts to reach him was unsuccessful.
