EFCC Files N5.78bn Fraud Charges Against Ex-Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Finance Commissioner

EFCC Files N5.78bn Fraud Charges Against Ex-Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Finance Commissioner. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed 14 fresh charges against former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his former Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, over an alleged N5.78 billion fraud. The charges, presented before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar at a Kwara State High Court, accuse the duo of diverting and misappropriating public funds intended for state projects and security.

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The case, initially filed at the Federal High Court in Ilorin, was refiled following the transfer of the previous judge. Ahmed and Banu, who were first arraigned in April 2024 on 12 charges, pleaded not guilty to all 14 fresh charges on Monday.

Among the allegations, Ahmed is accused of spending over N1.6 billion on private jet charters for state purposes. Both are also accused of conspiring to steal funds meant for teachers’ salaries and infrastructure. Despite the serious charges, they were granted bail under stringent conditions, and the case was adjourned until December 4 and 5, 2024.