A former Governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election, Musa Mubarak Saliu, has strongly denied allegations of fraud leveled against him by Abuja-based business woman, Zainab Abubakar, describing the claims as false, malicious, and entirely lacking in substance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Saliu addressed the allegations made by Abubakar, who accused him of fraudulently allocating real estate properties to her under suspicious circumstances. He dismissed the claims as a “figment of her imagination,” insisting that his record in both politics and business remains clean and unblemished.
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“These accusations are entirely baseless and intended to tarnish my reputation. I have never, in my life, been involved in any fraudulent land deals or shady business transactions,” Saliu declared.
Saliu, a prominent political figure in Kogi State and the Managing Director of Emperor City Integrated Limited, expressed deep concern over what he described as an orchestrated attempt to smear his name for personal and financial gain. He challenged Abubakar to provide credible evidence to back her claims.
“I would not have responded to these wild and unfounded allegations if not for the need to set the record straight and prevent the public from being misled. It is important to note that truth will always prevail over lies,” he added.
The businesswoman had claimed that Saliu and his companies, Emperor City Integrated Limited and Almubee Group, defrauded her and several other clients by allegedly collecting funds under false pretenses for properties in Abuja, including two units of duplex plots measuring 450 square meters each at Plot 1039, Wuye District and others in Guzape and Katampe Districts.
She further alleged that a payment of ₦50 million was made to Emperor City Integrated Limited’s account with TAJBank in February 2022, yet no corresponding property allocation was honored.
However, Saliu clarified that the transaction was legitimate and conducted in accordance with established business practices. He maintained that any contractual disagreements are currently the subject of legal proceedings, and as such, his company would refrain from commenting further due to the matter being sub judice.
“The matter is already before a competent court of law, and we trust in the judicial process to reveal the truth. We urge Ms. Abubakar and others to refrain from making prejudicial and misleading public statements while the legal process is ongoing.”
Saliu also addressed the allegations that he was invited by law enforcement for questioning, clarifying that such an invitation was routine and resulted in no charges being filed against him.
“If there was any credibility to these claims, I wouldn’t be walking freely or continuing with my public and private engagements. These narratives are clearly driven by ulterior motives.”
He also rejected claims that he established a new company, Dan Arewa Real Estate, to defraud unsuspecting clients following the alleged issues with Emperor City Integrated Limited. Calling the accusations “mischievous and defamatory,” he warned that such statements could attract legal consequences for defamation of character.
In closing, Saliu reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, integrity, and public service, noting that he remains undeterred in his philanthropic efforts, including his support for causes such as the upkeep of the family of the late Nigerian music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad.
“Charity is a calling for me, and no amount of distraction or defamation will stop me from supporting those in need. My conscience is clear, and I will continue to serve the people in whatever capacity I find myself,” he concluded.
Saliu has urged the public to be wary of unfounded allegations, particularly those made without evidence, and to allow the appropriate authorities and judicial bodies to resolve any disputes fairly and transparently.
