Ex Kwara Governor Faces Fresh Legal Battle by EFCC Over Alleged N5.78 Billion Fraud

Former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has been re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of alleged mismanagement and theft of public funds amounting to N5.78 billion.

The re-arraignment, which took place on October 21, 2024, at the Kwara State High Court, follows the transfer of the initial trial judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, necessitating a fresh start to the proceedings.

The charges against Ahmed and his finance commissioner, Ademola Banu, are extensive, comprising a 14-count indictment that includes allegations of "stealing and mismanagement of public funds."

Notably, the accusations involve the illegal expenditure of funds intended for critical state functions such as teachers' salaries and infrastructure development. For instance, one charge details how the duo allegedly "illegally spent the sum of N1,000,000,000.00" from the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board's matching grant account, contravening the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.