Kebbi Sets Up Committee To Recover Funds Fraudulently Removed From Orphans’ Accounts

The Kebbi State Government has constituted a committee to recover funds fraudulently removed from the individual accounts of orphans, disbursed to them by the World Muslim League.

Earlier this month, the World Muslim League transferred N2.1 billion to 1,849 orphans in the state, through bank transfers, to support their upbringing.

Unfortunately, some guardians entrusted with managing the orphans’ funds, in collaboration with the mastermind of the fraudulent act, have engaged in the illegal withdrawal and diversion of these funds.

Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Aliyu, revealed that Governor Nasir Idris has ordered the immediate recovery of the stolen funds and their return to the rightful owners.

“The Governor has immense compassion for orphans. He is committed to ensuring the full recovery of the money and has directed the Committee to conduct a thorough investigation,” the Commissioner said.

He further explained that banks had been contacted, and it was found that the fraudulent activities were carried out using Point of Sale (POS) terminals, rather than the usual banking channels.

“We issue a stern warning: if any bank is found to be complicit in the removal of these funds, the government will lodge a formal complaint with the headquarters of the concerned bank for appropriate action,” Alhaji Sani Aliyu stated.

He emphasized that the Kebbi State Government would not tolerate the exploitation of orphans by unscrupulous individuals.

The Commissioner also expressed the government’s gratitude to the World Muslim League for its generosity in disbursing such a large sum of money to orphans in Kebbi State.

He announced that the League’s Nigeria Regional Office in Kaduna has been informed of the situation and has pledged full support for the recovery efforts.

The Recovery Committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and includes two other Commissioners, two Special Advisers, and two Permanent Secretaries.

Credit: Yahaya Sarki,
Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Media and Publicity.