The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, re-arraigned the former Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner of Finance, Ademola Banu, on 14 fresh charges concerning an alleged N5.78 billion fraud. The charges were filed at the Kwara State High Court, presided over by Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar.
The EFCC accused the former officials of diverting public funds meant for state security and infrastructure. Counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), stated, “We urge your Lordship to accept the charge and allow it to be read to the defendants.” The case was previously handled by Justice Evelyn Anyadike at the Federal High Court, Ilorin, but was withdrawn after her transfer to another division.
The charges include allegations of illegal expenditures on private jets and the misappropriation of funds intended for the salaries of teachers under the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). One charge stated: “Abdulfatah Ahmed is accused of illegally spending N1.61 billion meant for the security and administration of the state to charter private jets.”
Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N100 million each. The case was adjourned to December 4 and 5, 2024, for further hearing.
