Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, dismisses social media claims alleging that former Zamfara State governor Abdullaziz Yari is connected to gold smuggling. According to the reports, videos circulating online accuse Yari of involvement in the smuggling of gold. The allegations follow an EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) action at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where the agency reportedly intercepted 22.2 kilograms of gold valued at N4.4 billion. Fani-Kayode, who is described as a friend of Yari, says the claims are “pure falsehood” and condemns what he characterizes as attempts to undermine a “good man.” He posts on X calling the allegations asinine and nonsensical, and urges those behind the videos to “bury their heads in shame.” The outlets present his response as a rejection of the online narratives, without providing additional evidence supporting or refuting the underlying claims about Yari beyond the EFCC interception and the circulation of the videos.