By Taiwo Niyi, KWARA |
The ongoing trial of former Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, over the alleged misappropriation of N5.78 billion in public funds resumed on Wednesday at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
At the hearing before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented Dr. Musa Oladimeji Dasuki, a retired Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), as its second witness. Dasuki, who served between 2011 and 2020, narrated how the UBEC funds meant for school projects were allegedly diverted to pay salaries.
“The then Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, first made an oral request for the 2013 UBEC Matching Grant to settle teachers’ salaries, but we insisted on a written request. Later, we received a letter conveying the governor’s approval, and the funds were transferred to the state’s account with Skye Bank,” Dasuki told the court.
According to him, SUBEB initially resisted the request, fearing it would disrupt ongoing projects, but approved it after Banu assured them the money would be refunded once the state received its federal allocation.
“Despite these assurances, the money was never repaid. The 2013 action plan specified that the funds were for the construction of 40 classroom blocks, VIP toilets, and ICT centers across the 16 local government areas, but many projects could not be completed because the money had been diverted,” he added.
Dasuki further testified that many contractors who had already executed projects were left unpaid, leading to widespread complaints.
During cross-examination, the defense counsel, Jimoh Mumini, SAN, questioned Dasuki on whether the former governor and finance commissioner were members of SUBEB.
Dasuki confirmed they were not but clarified that the loans were taken on behalf of the state government, not in the defendants’ personal capacities.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, March 13, 2025, for further hearing.
