The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed 14 new charges against former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Ademola Banu. The charges, filed on Monday at the Kwara State High Court under Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar, involve an alleged N5.78 billion fraud linked to the diversion of public funds meant for state projects and security operations.
The re-arraignment of the duo follows the withdrawal of the case from the Federal High Court in Ilorin, where they were previously being tried. The transfer occurred after the presiding judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, was reassigned to another division.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
Ahmed and Banu, who were first arraigned in April 2024, are accused of embezzling funds earmarked for critical state projects, including teacher salaries and state security measures. One of the most notable allegations involves the former governor’s use of N1.61 billion for chartering private jets through Travel Messengers Limited, a sum intended for security and administrative purposes.
In addition to these charges, Ahmed allegedly failed to submit an assets declaration form upon his arrest, a violation under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act No. 1 of 2004. This offense carries a penalty of five years imprisonment.
Detailed Charges
One of the specific charges accuses Abdulfatah Ahmed and Banu of misappropriating N1 billion from the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Matching Grant account. This fund was originally allocated for state educational projects but was redirected to pay civil servant salaries in violation of the law.
Another count alleges that between July and September 2016, the pair transferred N990 million from the Kwara SUBEB Matching Grant account to Polaris Bank to repay loans, breaching the provisions of the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004.
Court Proceedings
When the case was called on Monday, EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, presented the 14-count charge, which the court accepted. Both Ahmed and Banu pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Defense counsels Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, and Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, requested that their clients be granted the same bail conditions they had previously enjoyed. Justice Abdulgafar granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties each, including one serving or retired permanent secretary in the state.
The court has adjourned the case to December 4 and 5, 2024, for further hearing.
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