The trial of former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, over the alleged misappropriation of N5.78 billion in public funds, continued yesterday before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
During the hearing, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its second witness, Musa Oladimeji Dasuki, a retired Permanent Secretary at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who served between 2011 and 2020.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs, Dasuki testified that the Kwara State Government, under Ahmed’s leadership, requested Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds for 2013 and 2014 to pay teachers’ salaries—despite the funds being allocated for school infrastructure projects.
According to Dasuki, the request was initially made orally by Banu but was later formalized in writing, with a letter conveying the governor’s approval.
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Following this, the funds were deposited into the state government’s account with Skye Bank Plc.
SUBEB, he said, initially resisted the move, knowing it would disrupt ongoing school projects.
However, the finance commissioner assured them that the funds would be reimbursed once federal allocations were received.
“A letter was written to that effect from the office of the Commissioner for Finance, signed on his behalf, and the money was released immediately upon receiving the letter,” Dasuki stated.
Despite these assurances, he revealed, the funds were never repaid, resulting in several uncompleted education projects.
According to the 2013 action plan submitted to UBEC, the funds were meant for the construction of 40 standard classroom blocks with offices, 40 VIP toilets, and ICT centres across Kwara’s 16 local government areas.
However, many of these projects stalled due to a lack of funds.
Dasuki further testified that contractors protested non-payment for completed work, indicating the extent of the financial mismanagement.
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During cross-examination, Jimoh Mumini, counsel for the former governor, pointed out that neither Ahmed nor Banu was a member of SUBEB, potentially raising questions about their direct involvement in fund allocation.
Justice Abdulgafar adjourned the case until Thursday, March 13 for the continuation of trial.
