A Kwara State High Court has set December 3 for the trial of former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who faces allegations of diverting N3 billion in public funds. The case will be presided over by Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar in Ilorin.
Ahmed, along with former state finance commissioner Demola Banu, is accused of diverting funds originally intended for state projects and security. Both men were re-arraigned on a 15-count charge related to the alleged misappropriation of Universal Basic Education (UBEC) funds.
During the court session, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The judge granted them bail, each set at N100 million.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs, the re-arraignment followed the case’s withdrawal from the Federal High Court after the previous judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, was reassigned to another division.
The EFCC claims the diverted funds were meant for specific projects aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring security in Kwara State.
The trial is set to commence on December 3.
