The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has called on anti-corruption and security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into reports relating to the business interests and sources of wealth of individuals who have held public office. The group emphasized that transparency and accountability remain essential to strengthening public confidence in institutions.
Call for Investigation
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the YYC said its position followed information and reports received from the Zamfara Concerned Youth Assembly for Peace Advocacy. The group added that youth organisations across the country have a responsibility to promote good governance and support efforts aimed at ensuring accountability.
The organisation specifically referenced reports linking former Zamfara State governor and serving Senator, Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari, to major investments and alleged illegal mining activities. The YYC said these issues had generated considerable public interest and warranted scrutiny by relevant authorities.
Due Process and Rule of Law
The YYC stated that while successful business ventures and investments should be encouraged, questions surrounding the sources of wealth of politically exposed persons are matters of public concern that should be addressed through due process and in accordance with the law. The group also pointed to recurring allegations and reports concerning illegal mining activities in parts of Zamfara State and urged anti-graft and security agencies to establish the facts through lawful investigations, stressing that allegations do not in themselves amount to proof of wrongdoing.
According to the statement, agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Code of Conduct Bureau and relevant regulatory authorities should undertake a coordinated review of financial interests, asset declarations, business acquisitions and associated corporate structures linked to the reports.
Evidence-Based Approach
The YYC said any investigation should be evidence-based and guided by the rule of law, adding that its demand was intended to promote accountability rather than presume guilt. The organisation further referenced reports concerning investments allegedly linked to Senator Yari in the power and aviation sectors, as well as allegations relating to financial transactions and illegal mining activities, maintaining that such claims should be subjected to proper scrutiny by competent institutions.
It noted that a credible investigation would either clarify the issues raised in the public domain or enable the appropriate authorities to take any action required under the law.
Two-Week Ultimatum
The group gave the relevant agencies a two-week window to commence what it described as a credible investigation into the matters raised and warned that failure to do so would leave it with no option but to explore lawful legal remedies to compel the discharge of constitutional and statutory responsibilities. It also said it would mobilise civic actions aimed at drawing public attention to the issues.
The YYC maintained that addressing the concerns raised would strengthen confidence in anti-corruption institutions and demonstrate the commitment of authorities to transparency and accountability. The council stressed that its call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt, but rather as a demand for due process and the establishment of facts through lawful investigations. It added that a thorough and impartial probe would either clear the air on the issues raised or ensure that the law takes its course where necessary.
