By Felicia Udeji
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday filed 14 fresh charges of alleged N5.78 billion fraud against former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed, and his Commissioner of Finance, Ademola Banu. The case, which centers around the alleged diversion and misappropriation of public funds, was brought before the Kwara State High Court presided over by Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar.
The charges accuse the duo of siphoning public funds intended for state projects, security, and teacher salaries. This re-arraignment follows the EFCC’s withdrawal of the previous case from the Federal High Court in Ilorin due to the transfer of Justice Evelyn Anyadike, who was originally presiding over the matter.
Both Ahmed and Banu had initially been arraigned in April 2024, pleading not guilty to 12 counts of financial mismanagement. However, with the judge’s transfer, the case is now restarting. Ahmed’s name appears in all 14 new charges, including one count where he alone faces accusations of failing to declare his assets, a serious offense under the EFCC Act.
One of the charges alleges that Ahmed illegally spent over N1.6 billion meant for state security on chartered private jets. Other accusations claim the pair conspired to steal funds meant for teachers’ salaries, security, and infrastructure development in Kwara State.
Despite the severity of the charges, both defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers requested that bail previously granted to them in 2019 be continued, citing their cooperation throughout the investigation. Justice Abdulgafar granted their request, admitting the two to bail in the sum of N100 million each, with sureties required to be either serving or retired permanent secretaries.
The case has been adjourned until December 4 and 5, 2024, for further hearing.