Yari Denies Link to EFCC Gold Seizure, Threatens Legal Action Against Publishers

Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, has denied any involvement in the recent seizure of gold bars by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, describing reports linking him to the incident as false, malicious and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, the former Zamfara State governor said he had “absolutely no connection whatsoever” to the matter, accusing unnamed political opponents of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.

The statement was in response to publications by some online platforms which allegedly linked the senator to the gold seizure currently under investigation by the EFCC.

According to Tsafe, the anti-graft agency publicly identified individuals arrested in connection with the incident, but did not mention Senator Yari as a suspect or person of interest.

“It is instructive that while the EFCC publicly identified individuals arrested in connection with the incident, nowhere in its statement was Senator Yari named as a suspect or person of interest,” the statement said.

The senator’s camp described the reports as defamatory and part of a coordinated effort to undermine Yari’s political standing and relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement further alleged that those behind the reports had become uncomfortable with Yari’s growing political influence and national relevance, leading them to resort to what it termed “falsehood, blackmail and media manipulation.”

Despite the controversy, Yari reaffirmed his commitment to representing the people of Zamfara West and supporting national development initiatives.

The statement added that the senator had directed his legal team to commence legal proceedings against individuals, groups and media organisations involved in publishing and circulating the allegations.

“Those responsible for these evil and defamatory lies will be compelled to substantiate their claims before the appropriate judicial authorities,” Tsafe stated.

While urging members of the public to disregard the reports, the senator’s office maintained that the allegations lacked any factual basis and were intended solely to tarnish his image.

The EFCC has yet to issue any statement linking Senator Yari to the seized gold bars, while investigations into the matter are ongoing.