Fraud Watch
Former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed Re-Arraigned Over Alleged N5.78 Billion Fraud
EFCC Re-Arraigns Abdulfatah Ahmed, Former Kwara Governor, Over N5.78 Billion Fraud.
Former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Finance Commissioner Ademola Banu were re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, October 21, 2024, for allegedly mismanaging N5.78 billion in public funds. The 14-count amended charge, read before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, included accusations of stealing and mismanaging funds meant for salaries, security and infrastructure.
The re-arraignment followed the transfer of the original trial judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, prompting a restart of the case. Ahmed and Banu initially pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge on April 29, 2024.
Specific allegations include:
- Misuse of Public Funds: Ahmed and Banu allegedly spent N1 billion from the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Matching Grant account to pay civil servants’ salaries, violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
- Criminal Breach of Trust: The duo allegedly transferred N990.5 million from the SUBEB account to Polaris Bank for loan repayment, contrary to the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act.
- Failure to Declare Assets: Ahmed was accused of not filling out an assets declaration form provided by the EFCC upon arrest, violating the EFCC Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, Kamaldeen Ajibade and Gboyega Oyewole, requested bail, citing the defendants’ previous administrative bail compliance since 2019. Justice Abdulgafar granted bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties each, one of whom must be a serving or retired permanent secretary.
The trial is set to commence on December 4-5, 2024.
Emefiele’s Trial: Witness Reveals Irregularities in Contract Award.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, Stephen Salau Gana, exposed irregularities in contract awards during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.
Key Testimony
1. No competitive bidding for April 16 Investment Limited’s N99.9 million vehicle supply contract.
2. Contract exceeded CBN governor’s approval threshold (N100 million).
3. Direct procurement justified only in emergencies, sole manufacturer/distributor, or exclusive dealership cases.
4. April 16 Investment Limited met none of these conditions.
Prosecution’s Case
Emefiele faces amended 20-count charges:
1. Conspiracy
2. Criminal breach of trust
3. Forgery
4. Obtaining $6,230,000 by false pretenses
Trial Update
Justice Hamza Mu’azu adjourned the case to November 13, 2024, for continuation.
Defense and Prosecution
- Defense counsel to respond to allegations.
- Prosecution to present additional witnesses.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Court Denies Bail to Yahaya Bello’s Co-Defendants in N110.4 Billion Fraud Case.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, co-defendants of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a N110.4 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reasons for Dismissal
The defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN) and A.M. Aliyu (SAN), argued that their clients were due for release from the EFCC’s holding facility, but prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) opposed their release, citing the lack of formal written applications. Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.
Background of the Case
Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024, and remanded in the EFCC’s custody. Yahaya Bello, the former governor, has consistently refused to appear in court for his arraignment on 16-count charges of fraud totaling N110.4 billion.
Update on Yahaya Bello’s Case
During Thursday’s proceedings, Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC had complied with the earlier order to publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper. The court adjourned the case until November 14 and 20, 2024, for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment.
Related Developments
The Court of Appeal had previously ordered Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment, stating that no court has the power to preclude a law enforcement agent from performing its statutory functions.
N35m Fraud Trial Adjourned: Businessman Ericbona Elio Ushie to Face Justice in December.
The trial of Ericbona Elio Ushie, a businessman accused of a N35 million fraud, has been adjourned until December 19, 2024, by Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. Ushie faces a 13-count charge, including stealing, obtaining under false pretenses, and forgery, for allegedly converting N35,397,000 of Calibration and Non-destructive Services Limited’s funds for personal use.
Trial Background
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ushie on February 12, 2024. Prosecution counsel Bilikisu Buhari stated that 13 witnesses would testify against him. Defence counsel C.C. Orji applied for bail, but Justice Abike-Fadipe revoked it after viewing a viral video showing Ushie boasting about not being arrested or detained.
Latest Developments
At the October 23, 2024, proceedings, Victor Okpara (SAN) requested a variation of the bail conditions. Okpara argued passionately, and Justice Abike-Fadipe granted the application, adjourning the trial until December 19, 2024.
Charges Against Ushie
- Dishonestly converting N35,397,000 of Calibration and Non-destructive Services Limited’s funds for personal use.
- Obtaining N35,397,000 under false pretenses, claiming it was for securing a contract from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Ushie pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
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