By Charles Chijioke
Afrilensnews reports that former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has strongly denied allegations linking former Zamfara State Governor and Senator, Abdul’aziz Yari, to a recent gold seizure at Kano airport, describing the claims as entirely false and malicious.
In a post published on his social media platform, Fani-Kayode defended Yari, popularly known as the Marafan Sokoto, insisting that the senator had no connection whatsoever to the intercepted gold consignment.
“The assertion that my friend and brother Senator Abdul Aziz Yari, the Marafan Sokoto, had any connection with the gold that was intercepted at Kano airport is pure falsehood. Worse still it is asinine and nonsensical,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
He argued that the allegations were part of a deliberate effort to tarnish the reputation of a prominent political figure, adding that such campaigns had become common in Nigeria’s political environment.
“There is nothing new in trying to pull a good man down and it rarely works. Nothing can change a man’s destiny or prevent him from achieving God’s purpose for his life,” he stated.
The former minister further accused those behind the report of acting out of malice, saying: “Those that are behind this fake news are vicious and malicious: they should bury their heads in shame.”
The comments come amid public discussions surrounding reports of a gold interception at Kano airport, an incident that has generated speculation and competing narratives on social media and within political circles.
While details surrounding the ownership and intended destination of the seized gold have continued to attract attention, no official statement from relevant security or regulatory authorities has publicly linked Senator Yari to the consignment.
Fani-Kayode’s intervention is likely to intensify debate over the controversy, particularly among supporters and critics of the former governor, who remains an influential figure in northern politics and within the ruling political establishment.
The development also underscores the growing challenge posed by unverified claims circulating online, especially when they involve high-profile political actors.
If left unchecked, such allegations could have reputational and political consequences, potentially shaping public perception even before official investigations are concluded.
As of the time of filing this report,
Senator Yari had not personally issued a statement on the matter, while authorities were yet to release any information connecting him to the intercepted gold shipment.
