A group known as the Yaris 774 Initiative for Asiwaju has denied any connection between Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari and a recent case involving the interception of 22.2 kilograms of raw gold bars valued at about N4.4 billion ($3.2 million) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The group’s convener, Dr. Ibrahim Emokpaire, dismissed the allegations linking the former governor of Zamfara State to the alleged smuggling incident, describing them as false, malicious, and politically motivated claims circulating on social media.
According to earlier reports, EFCC operatives reportedly intercepted the gold consignment on June 11, 2026, at the Kano airport. The gold was allegedly hidden in the clothing of an airport security officer who was attempting to pass it to outbound passengers. Investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
Emokpaire stated during a press briefing in Abuja that the group initially considered ignoring the allegations but decided to respond in order to correct what it described as misleading information being spread online.
He stressed that the EFCC has not concluded its investigation and no official findings have been released, adding that attempts to associate Senator Yari with the incident were premature and unfounded.
The group further rejected claims linking Yari to criminal activities in northern Nigeria or suggesting that he is financially supporting a political party, describing such allegations as fabricated stories aimed at damaging his reputation.
According to the statement, those behind the claims are attempting to tarnish the senator’s image due to his rising political influence, particularly his support base in northern Nigeria. The group also suggested that the broader target of the misinformation campaign is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
