The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to prosecute Mr. Alkazim Kabir, also known as Abbati Kabiru Abuwa, a self-proclaimed journalist based in Kano, over alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent activities amounting to about ₦14m.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said the decision followed a series of petitions received by the Commission, accusing him of persistent acts of fraud, false representation, and impersonation of public officials.
Bakare explained that investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly impersonated various public figures, including aides to the President and Vice President, as well as members of the National Assembly, to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
Alleged impersonation and foreign currency fraud
According to the statement, in one instance, he reportedly obtained $3,300 and 1,620 Saudi Riyals from two victims under the guise of being a Presidential and Vice-Presidential aide.
Bakare said further investigations uncovered a pattern in which Kabir allegedly exploited opportunities connected to international religious travels, particularly Hajj and Umrah, to deceive and defraud people.
“Further findings indicated that Mr. Kabir specialized in obtaining money and goods under false pretences, often exploiting opportunities related to international religious travels,” the ICPC added.
Forged receipts and fake transfers
The Commission revealed that during one such trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the suspect borrowed 11,000 Saudi Riyals from a fellow traveller and later sent a forged bank receipt as proof of repayment.
He also allegedly “issued a fake transfer receipt of ₦3.2 million to a travel agent who had arranged flight, hotel, and train bookings on his behalf.”
Prosecution process begins
Bakare confirmed that charges have been filed against Kabir and that he will be arraigned before a competent court once the case is assigned.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to bringing individuals involved in fraudulent and impersonation-related offences to justice, regardless of their social or professional standing.
