Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, has denied any involvement in the recent seizure of gold bars by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, describing reports linking him to the incident as false, malicious and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, the former Zamfara State governor dismissed the allegation as a deliberate attempt by political opponents to tarnish his reputation and undermine what he described as the senator’s growing political influence.
The statement maintained that Yari had “absolutely no connection whatsoever” with the incident, stressing that the EFCC did not mention his name among those arrested or under investigation.
“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.
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According to the senator’s office, those behind the reports were unsettled by Yari’s political relevance, national acceptance and his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement further alleged that unnamed political opponents had embarked on a coordinated campaign of falsehood and blackmail after failing to weaken the senator through legitimate political means.
It added that Yari remained focused on providing effective representation for the people of Zamfara West while supporting the Federal Government’s development agenda.
The senator also threatened legal action against individuals, groups and media organisations allegedly responsible for originating and circulating the reports.
According to the statement, Yari’s legal team has been instructed to commence legal proceedings against those involved in publishing and amplifying what it described as defamatory allegations.
The statement urged members of the public to disregard the reports, insisting they formed part of a politically motivated smear campaign with no factual basis.
It also expressed confidence that the allegations would not diminish the senator’s public standing or overshadow his record of public service.
