By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has concluded plans to arraign one Mr. Alkazim Kabir, popularly known as Abbati Kabiru Abuwa, a self-acclaimed journalist based in Kano, over alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent schemes amounting to about ₦14 million.
In an official statement signed by the Director, Public Enlightenment and Education of the Commission, Mr. Demola Bakare, the ICPC disclosed that the decision to prosecute the suspect followed a series of petitions accusing him of serial fraud, false representation, and impersonation of senior government officials.
According to the ICPC, preliminary investigations revealed that Mr. Kabir had over time impersonated various public figures, including aides to the President and Vice President as well as some members of the National Assembly, to defraud unsuspecting citizens.
In one of the reported cases, the suspect allegedly collected $3,300 and 1,620 Saudi Riyals from two individuals under the false pretext of being an aide to the President and Vice President.
Further investigations also uncovered that the suspect specialized in obtaining money and goods under false pretences, exploiting opportunities linked 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 traveler and later sent a forged bank receipt as evidence of repayment.
Similarly, the Commission alleged that Mr. Kabir fraudulently issued a fake transfer receipt of ₦3.2 million to a travel agent who had made flight, hotel, and train bookings on his behalf.
The ICPC stated that formal charges have already been filed against the suspect and that he will be arraigned before a competent court of law once the case is duly assigned.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that individuals who engage in fraudulent practices and impersonation of public officials are held accountable, warning that such criminal conduct undermines public trust and will not be tolerated.
