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.

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

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

Bobrisky Detained at FCID Lagos After Arrest by Immigration at Seme Border. Controversial crossdresser Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, is currently in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. He was arrested by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) while attempting to exit the country through the Seme border.

According to sources, Bobrisky was taken into custody at the FCID for safekeeping after his arrest, where he has spent the night. The FCID spokesperson, Mayegun Aminat, confirmed his detention, stating that they are awaiting a remand to keep him in custody.

The Nigeria Immigration Service spokesperson, Kenneth Udo, described Bobrisky as a person of interest due to ongoing public concerns. The NIS assured the public that the crossdresser is being interrogated and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

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Libya denies sabotage, cites logistics for Super Eagles’ airport delay. The Libyan Football Federation has addressed the circumstances behind the Nigerian Super Eagles’ extended delay at Al Abraq International Airport, attributing the situation to routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play.

In a statement on Monday via X, the LFF sought to clarify the events, emphasising that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not intended as a hostile act.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.

They highlighted that just a week earlier, the Libyan national team faced their own challenges upon arriving in Nigeria for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities,” the statement added.

According to the LFF, the diversion of the Nigerian delegation’s chartered ValueJet aircraft to Al Abraq International Airport, rather than Benghazi as planned, stemmed from air traffic control protocols and security checks common in international travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon,” the federation added.

The statement stressed that the LFF respects Nigeria and had no intention of creating difficulties for the Super Eagles, who have been stranded at the airport for over 15 hours. The Libyan FA expressed concern over the situation but noted that such logistical issues are not uncommon.

They also reiterated Libya’s hospitality towards visiting teams, stating, “We have always prioritised treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The Libyan FA urged for a resolution through mutual understanding and highlighted football’s role in fostering unity.

“Hosting these events is a great honour for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests.

“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football over the incident, with plans underway to return the Super Eagles home.