Wealthy Nigerian senator Abdulaziz Yari denies any link to seized gold, threatens legal action against accusers

Senator Abdulaziz Yari, the former Zamfara State governor who chairs Geregu Power Plc after acquiring the company for N1.08 trillion ($793 million), has denied any connection to gold bars worth approximately N4 billion ($2.94 million) seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and threatened legal action against everyone he says is responsible for linking his name to the seizure.

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."

The statement attributed the allegations to political enemies who have become uncomfortable with Yari's growing national profile and his close relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. "We are fully aware of the individuals and interests behind this latest round of propaganda," Tsafe wrote. "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."

Tsafe said Yari's legal team is preparing to take action against all individuals and media outlets responsible for the publication of what the statement described as false and defamatory material.

The Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum separately issued a statement dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. "The allegation was aimed at the former governor just to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections," the forum said in a statement signed by its publicity secretary Melah Yusuf. The group argued that the reports were based on anonymous sources and unverified claims.

The controversy arose after the Coalition for Accountability and National Development, a civil society group, accused Yari on June 14 of being 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.

Yari was appointed chairman of Geregu Power Plc on December 29, 2025, following his consortium's acquisition of the company's controlling stake from Femi Otedola's MA'AM Energy Limited for N1.08 trillion, financed by a consortium of banks led by Zenith Bank Plc.