The Yari 774 Initiative for Asiwaju (YIFA 774) has dismissed allegations linking former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, to a recent gold bar seizure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other criminal activities in parts of northern Nigeria.
The group, at a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, described the claims circulating on some social media platforms as “malicious, fabricated and unwarranted,” saying they were aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the senator.
The Chairman/Convener of YIFA 774, Alhaji Ibrahim Emokpaire, said the group decided to respond to the allegations to set the records straight, despite describing the reports as originating from unknown individuals.
The statement followed reports that the EFCC had seized gold bars at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, with investigations reportedly ongoing to determine the ownership and purpose of the consignment.
YIFA 774 accused some individuals of attempting to link Senator Yari with the seized gold and other illegal activities before the anti-graft agency concludes its investigation.
The group also denied claims that Yari was sponsoring the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the allegation as false and part of a campaign to damage his image.
It said Senator Yari was widely known as a philanthropist, employer of labour and a supporter of vulnerable groups, particularly widows and women across the country.
The group highlighted Yari’s humanitarian activities, including the distribution of food items and livestock during religious celebrations, as evidence of his commitment to supporting Nigerians.
YIFA 774 further alleged that the attacks against Senator Yari were politically motivated, claiming that some individuals were targeting him because of his perceived role in mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group called on those behind the allegations to stop what it described as a campaign of defamation and allow the senator to focus on his political engagements.
It also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.