N4bn Seized Gold: Senator Yari Denies Any Link, Threatens Legal Action Against Accusers

Senator Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara State governor and current chairman of Geregu Power Plc, has denied any connection to gold bars worth approximately N4 billion seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

He has also threatened legal action against individuals and media outlets he says are responsible for linking his name to the seizure.

Senator’s denial

The denial came in a statement titled “Re: False and Malicious Attempt to Link Senator Abdulaziz Yari to Alleged Gold Seizure,” issued by his Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, on June 16, 2026.

“We wish to state categorically and without any equivocation that Senator Abdulaziz Yari has absolutely no connection whatsoever to the matter being sensationally reported,” the statement read.

“Let it be clearly stated that Senator Yari will not be distracted by these acts of political brigandage. He remains focused on delivering quality representation to the people of Zamfara.”

Tsafe attributed the allegations to political opponents uncomfortable with Yari’s growing national profile and his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are fully aware of the individuals and interests behind this latest round of propaganda,” the statement said.

“These are elements who have become increasingly uncomfortable with Senator Yari’s growing stature, political relevance, national acceptance and cordial relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Having failed repeatedly in their efforts to diminish his standing through legitimate political means, they have now resorted to the weaponisation of falsehood, blackmail and media manipulation.”

The statement added that Yari’s legal team is preparing to take action against all individuals and media outlets responsible for publishing what it described as false and defamatory material.

Civil society group response

The Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum also dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary Melah Yusuf, the Group said the allegation was aimed at the former governor to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The forum argued that the reports were based on anonymous sources and unverified claims.

Background to the controversy

The controversy followed accusations by the Coalition for Accountability and National Development, a civil society group, which on June 14 alleged that Yari was linked to the EFCC’s interception of 22.2 kilograms of gold bars at Kano airport on June 11.

The EFCC arrested a Nigerian Airspace Management Authority security officer identified as Anas Baffa, who allegedly concealed the gold in his trousers before handing it to outbound passengers.

The EFCC has not publicly named Yari as a suspect in the seizure or in any related investigation.