The Personal Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Tunde Sabiu, has become the subject of an investigation by anti-corruption agencies due to allegations of financial malfeasance spanning from 2016 to 2023. The allegations against Sabiu, who is commonly known as Tunde Sabiu, involve round-tripping and forex manipulations in collaboration with the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.
According to an anonymous source from an anti-graft agency, numerous petitions have been received regarding Sabiu’s activities, with allegations ranging from influence peddling to living a lifestyle incompatible with his legitimate earnings. While the exact amount involved in the allegations remains unclear, the source confirmed that Sabiu had reportedly invested questionable sums of money in various sectors, such as Maritime, Real Estate, and Oil and Gas, using intermediaries.
Although the source did not find any credible evidence linking billionaire businessman Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, also known as AA Rano, to Sabiu’s alleged fraudulent activities, investigations are ongoing to explore all leads. Reports circulating on social media have suggested a $400 million fraud allegation involving a business deal altercation between Sabiu and AA Rano. However, a source close to AA Rano denied any business relationship beyond casual meetings and warm greetings exchanged with Sabiu.
Regarding the purchase of a property in Abuja, known as Sigma Apartment, rumors have misrepresented Sabiu Mahuta, the Business Development Director of AA Rano, as Sabiu himself. The property was acquired through a successful bidding process for N1.9 billion in 2020 and later sold for N3.4 billion to another investor who demolished the structure to build a shopping mall.
AA Rano’s management has cooperated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other investigative panels, providing documents to demonstrate the legality of their business operations. They have strongly refuted all allegations of involvement in fraudulent activities and emphasized that their legitimate interests lie in the Airline, Property, and Oil and Gas sectors.
As the investigation into Tunde Sabiu’s alleged misconduct progresses, the authorities will continue to examine the accusations against him and any potential connections to AA Rano. Despite social media claims, there is no concrete evidence to support the allegations of their collaboration in fraudulent business deals.
