Posted by Chinenye on Fri 19th Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
A former Nigerian minister has strongly dismissed viral claims linking a former Zamfara governor to a recent gold seizure at an international airport, describing the allegations as false and malicious.
(Femi Fani-Kayode. Photo Credit: BBC)
Nigeria's ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has called on critics to be ashamed of spreading falsehoods against former Zamfara State governor, Abdullaziz Yari.
Videos alleging that Yari was involved in gold smuggling recently emerged on social media.
The claim came after authorities intercepted 22.2 kilograms of gold valued at N4.4 billion at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Denouncing the videos, Fani-Kayode accused those behind them of attempting to damage the reputation of an upright individual.
In a post on social media, Fani-Kayode stated that the assertion linking his friend and brother Senator Abdul Aziz Yari, the Marafan Sokoto, to the gold intercepted at Kano airport was entirely false and lacking in substance.
He said attempts to discredit a good man are nothing new and rarely succeed, adding that nothing can alter a person's destiny or prevent them from fulfilling God's purpose for their life.
He described those spreading the rumours as malicious and spiteful, saying they should be deeply embarrassed by their actions.