The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it will prosecute a Kano-based self-acclaimed journalist, Mr. Alkazim Kabir, also known as Abbati Kabiru Abuwa, for alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent activities worth about ₦14 million.
Mr. Kabir, who hails originally from the South West part of Nigeria, was accused of defrauding several individuals through impersonation and deceit.
In a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, and spokesperson for the Commission, the ICPC said the decision to charge Mr. Kabir followed “a series of petitions accusing him of persistent acts of fraud, false representation, and impersonation of public officials.”
According to the Commission, investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly posed as various public figures — including aides to the President and Vice President, as well as members of the National Assembly — to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
“In one of the cases under investigation, Mr. Kabir obtained $3,300 and 1,620 Saudi Riyals from two victims under the false pretext of being a Presidential and Vice-Presidential aide,” the statement said.
The anti-corruption body added that the suspect “specialized in obtaining money and goods under false pretences, often exploiting opportunities related to international religious travels.”
During a trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, he allegedly borrowed 11,000 Saudi Riyals from a fellow traveler and later sent a forged bank receipt as proof of repayment. The Commission further disclosed that he “issued a fake transfer receipt of ₦3.2 million to a travel agent who had arranged flight, hotel, and train bookings on his behalf.”
Bakare said charges had already been filed against the suspect, adding that “he will be arraigned before a competent court of law as soon as the case is assigned.”
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to bringing fraudulent individuals to justice, warning that impersonation and advance fee fraud remain serious offences under Nigerian law.