EFCC Re-arraigns Ex-Kwara Governor and His Finance Commissioner Over N5.78bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his ex-Commissioner of Finance, Ademola Banu, on Monday. The two face a 14-count charge for allegedly diverting N5.78 billion in public funds.

Their fresh arraignment followed the transfer of the trial judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, from the Federal High Court in Ilorin. The case was moved to the Kwara State High Court, presided by Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar.

Ahmed allegedly spent N1,610,730,500.00, allocated for state security and administration, on chartering private jets through Travel Messengers Limited. This act violates Section 22(5) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and is punishable under the same section. Both men face charges of misappropriating funds meant for public projects and state security. This reportedly includes diverting money for teachers’ salaries under the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Ahmed also faces a separate charge for failing to declare his assets to the EFCC. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Justice Abdulgafar granted them bail at N100 million each, with two sureties, one of whom must be a permanent secretary. The case was adjourned to December 4 and 5 for further hearing.

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