Former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to Stand Trial Over Alleged N3 Billion Diversion of Public Funds

Former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to Stand Trial Over Alleged N3 Billion Diversion of Public Funds. Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court has set December 3, 2024, as the trial date for Abdulfatah Ahmed, the immediate past governor of Kwara State, who faces a 15-count charge related to the alleged diversion of N3 billion in public funds. The charges primarily focus on the misuse of the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) funds for purposes other than what they were allocated for.

Ahmed, alongside his former Finance Commissioner, Demola Banu, was re-arraigned in Ilorin on Monday after the case was transferred from the Federal High Court. Both pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N100 million each.

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The charges detail how the former governor and his co-defendant allegedly misappropriated funds intended for educational projects, instead redirecting them to pay civil servant salaries and cover loans. These actions, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), violate several provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Criminal Code.

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The trial is expected to shed light on the former administration’s financial activities, including illegal transfers of large sums to private accounts and for unauthorized expenditures, such as chartering private jets.

In an interview, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs explained that the re-arraignment was due to the completion of additional investigations and to avoid moving the case between courts.

As the case progresses, Ahmed and Banu will be defending themselves against accusations of mismanaging public resources and violating Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws