AHMAD UTHMAN MUHAMMAD, SON-IN-LAW TO KATSINA STATE GOVERNOR, UNDER EFCC PROBE OVER ALLEGED FRAUD AS ₦455M REMAINS UNREFUNDED AFTER 10-DAYS GRACE PERIOD

AHMAD UTHMAN MUHAMMAD, SON-IN-LAW TO KATSINA STATE GOVERNOR, UNDER EFCC PROBE OVER ALLEGED FRAUD AS ₦455M REMAINS UNREFUNDED AFTER 10-DAYS GRACE PERIOD

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the ongoing controversy involving Ahmed Uthman Muhammad, son-in-law of the Katsina State Governor, over a ₦455 million investment scheme that is now reportedly under investigation by law enforcement and anti-corruption authorities.

Victims of the scheme say Ahmed convinced them to fund what he described as a lucrative foreign exchange arrangement connected to the 2026 Hajj operations of the Katsina State Government. He reportedly presented documents and assurances suggesting that a multi-billion-naira contract had been secured and that additional capital was required to complete the transaction.

The investors raised and transferred approximately ₦425 million, with the expectation that supporting contract documents would be provided afterward. However, when they requested signed agreements and official documentation, Ahmed declined to release the documents, which led to a breakdown in trust and rising tension over the deal.

The situation escalated when the victims demanded a refund of their money. Ahmed agreed to repay the funds.

Efforts to recover the funds reportedly became more complicated after communication broke down. At one point, a bank transfer notification was sent as proof of repayment, but verification with the receiving bank confirmed that no such transaction had taken place, confirming the claim as false.

Investigators are also examining claims that documents presented in relation to the transaction may have been forged. References were reportedly made to contracts involving the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board and prominent business interests, but attempts to verify these documents raised serious concerns.

One of the most controversial aspects of the case involves claims that Ahmed used his access to the Governor of Katsina State to gain the confidence of victims. Meetings were reportedly held at the Katsina State Governor’s Lodge, where victims were introduced to the governor before discussions about the proposed transaction continued. However, it is maintained that the governor was not directly involved in the deal and may not have been aware of the details being presented.

As pressure mounted and complaints were filed with the Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ahmed reportedly attempted to evade arrest by leaving Yola and travelling through Gombe and Kano before boarding a flight to Abuja. He was later identified and arrested upon arrival at the Abuja airport.

Following his arrest, he was briefly detained before being granted bail to facilitate efforts toward repayment, with a grace period of 10 days. However, he defaulted on the agreement. Family members and associates reportedly intervened and assisted in raising part of the funds, but the repayment remains incomplete.

Further controversy emerged after claims that Ahmed attempted to frame his arrest as politically motivated.

The situation has reportedly had severe consequences for some of the victims, with one individual said to have been hospitalized due to high blood pressure complications following the financial loss.

It was further alleged that during the repayment period, Ahmed and his father were making arrangements to obtain a different international passport in an attempt to leave the country, while the funds remain outstanding. He is also said to have been avoiding arrest, with victims claiming he is being shielded by the Katsina State Governor.

Despite repeated assurances and the post-arrest grace period granted, a significant portion of the disputed funds remains outstanding.

Adamawa Pulse also conducted an interview with one of the victims, who provided additional insight into the events surrounding the case.

As investigations continue, attention remains focused on the authenticity of the documents used in securing the investment, the movement of the funds, and whether full recovery will be achieved.