The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed 14 new charges against former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner of Finance, Ademola Banu, for allegedly misappropriating N5.78 billion of public funds. The case, presented before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, accuses the duo of diverting money meant for state projects and security purposes.
The fresh charges follow the withdrawal of the previous case at the Federal High Court in Ilorin, due to the transfer of the presiding judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike. Ahmed and Banu were initially arraigned on April 29, 2024, on 12 charges, which they denied. The case now restarts under the jurisdiction of the Kwara State High Court.
Among the allegations, Ahmed is accused of misusing N1.6 billion intended for state security, including using part of the funds to charter private jets through Travel Messengers Limited. Both Ahmed and Banu are also charged with conspiring to steal money meant for the salaries of teachers under the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
One charge against Ahmed accuses him of failing to declare his assets during his arrest by EFCC officers, an offense punishable by up to five years in prison.
In court, both Ahmed and Banu pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their legal teams requested the continuation of their earlier bail, granted since 2019, on the grounds that they had complied with bail conditions. Justice Abdulgafar granted the defendants bail at N100 million each, with two sureties, one of whom must be a serving or retired permanent secretary in the state.
The case has been adjourned to December 4 and 5, 2024, for further hearings.
