Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court has scheduled December 3, 2024, for the trial of former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, on a 15-count charge related to the alleged diversion of N3 billion public fund.
The charges stem from the alleged misappropriation of Universal Basic Education (UBEC) funds, which were purportedly diverted for purposes outside their intended scope.
Ahmed, along with his former Finance Commissioner, Demola Banu, was re-arraigned on Monday at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin after the case was moved from the Federal High Court. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail at N100 million each.
The charges include illegal transfers and spending of UBEC funds earmarked for educational projects in Kwara State, with accusations of the funds being redirected for civil servant salaries and personal uses such as chartering private jets.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the charges after concluding investigations, citing breaches of both the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Criminal Code.
EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs explained that the re-arraignment was necessary to consolidate the charges and streamline the trial process.
