The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has announced plans to prosecute Mr. Alkazim Kabir, also known as Abbati Kabiru Abuwa, a self-proclaimed journalist based in Kano, for alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent activities amounting to approximately N14m.
A statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Wednesday, stated that the decision followed several petitions accusing Kabir of persistent acts of fraud, false representation, and impersonation of senior government officials.
Bakare said investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly impersonated several public figures, including aides to the President and Vice President as well as members of the National Assembly, to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
In one case, Bakare noted that Kabir reportedly obtained $3,300 and 1,620 Saudi Riyals from two victims while posing as a Presidential and Vice-Presidential aide.
The statement partly read, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to prosecute one Mr. Alkazim Kabir, also known as ‘Abbati Kabiru Abuwa’, a self-acclaimed journalist based in Kano, over alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent activities amounting to about N14m.
“The decision to charge Mr. Kabir followed a series of petitions received by the Commission, accusing him of persistent acts of fraud, false representation, and impersonation of public officials.
“Investigations by the ICPC revealed that the suspect had allegedly impersonated various public figures, including aides to the President and Vice President, as well as members of the National Assembly, to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
“In one instance, he reportedly obtained $3,300 and 1,620 Saudi Riyals from two victims under the guise of being a Presidential and Vice-Presidential aide.”
Bakare stated that further findings showed that he often exploited opportunities related to international religious travels, particularly Hajj and Umrah, to defraud individuals.
“Further findings indicated that Mr. Kabir specialized in obtaining money and goods under false pretences, often exploiting opportunities related to international religious travels.
“During one such trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, he was said to have borrowed 11,000 Saudi Riyals from a fellow traveller and later sent a forged bank receipt as proof of repayment. He also allegedly issued a fake transfer receipt of N3.2m to a travel agent who had arranged flight, hotel, and train bookings on his behalf,” the statement added.
Bakare said charges had been filed against the suspect and that he would be arraigned before a competent court once the case is assigned.
