Former Zamfara Governor Yari Threatens Legal Action Against Media Outlets
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari has threatened legal action against some media organisations over reports he described as false and damaging to his reputation.
Yari issued the warning in a statement released in Gusau by his spokesman, Ibrahim Dosara.
The statement followed a search of Yari’s residence in Talata-Mafara by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on August 4.
Dosara accused three unnamed media organisations of attempting to tarnish the former governor’s image through reports concerning the EFCC investigation.
He specifically rejected a report claiming that exotic vehicles had been discovered at Yari’s residence during the search.
The spokesman also disputed reports linking the former governor to the alleged misappropriation of billions of naira in funds intended for internally displaced persons and ecological projects.
According to Dosara, the allegations were wrongly presented as findings or claims attributed to the EFCC.
He therefore demanded that the affected media organisations retract the reports within 24 hours or face legal action.
Dosara maintained that the EFCC search had not uncovered anything incriminating against the former governor and said Yari’s camp was also waiting to see what action the anti-graft agency would take regarding the whistle-blower whose information allegedly prompted the investigation.
He dismissed claims that 21 luxury vehicles were found at Yari’s Talata-Mafara residence, arguing that the property did not even have sufficient space to accommodate such a number of vehicles.
The spokesman also rejected allegations concerning ecological funds, insisting that the reports did not accurately reflect funds received or managed by the Yari administration.
He challenged the media organisations involved to verify their information and provide evidence supporting their claims.
Dosara similarly denied allegations that Yari received or misappropriated funds meant for internally displaced persons.
He asked those making the claims to identify the individuals or institutions that allegedly provided such funds to the former governor.
According to him, failure to substantiate the allegations or retract the publications would leave Yari with no option but to seek legal redress.
The EFCC investigation followed the submission of a report by a transition committee constituted by Governor Bello Matawalle.
The committee, headed by former Zamfara Deputy Governor Ibrahim Wakkala, had raised questions about several financial transactions carried out during Yari’s administration.
Yari’s representatives, however, maintained that allegations arising from the investigation should not be reported as established facts without evidence and urged media organisations to exercise greater caution in their coverage.
