ICPC Secures Six-Year Jail Term for Sokoto River Basin Director
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Rabiu Musa Matazu, Director of Administration at the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), for criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
Matazu was found guilty by Honourable Justice Abbas Bawule of the Katsina State High Court after a three-year trial in Suit No. KTH/7C/2022.
According to the prosecution, led by ICPC counsel Ibrahim Garba, Matazu unlawfully diverted ₦305,000 rent proceeds generated from SRRBDA properties in Katsina State. The funds, handed over to him by his subordinate, Mr. Lawal Dan Sarki, were meant to be remitted into the agency’s account but were instead converted to his personal use.
One of the charges read in court stated that:
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“That you, Rabiu Musa Matazu (m), sometimes in October 2014 or thereabout within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your position as Director of Administration, Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), to confer unfair advantage upon yourself by receiving the total sum of ₦305,000 proceeds from rent collected on behalf of your agency, which you converted to your personal use and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
Although Matazu pleaded not guilty when the charges were first read to him, Justice Bawule held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court sentenced him to six months imprisonment or an option of ₦20,000 fine on counts 1, 2, and 3, and five years imprisonment without an option of fine on the fourth count. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The ICPC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Demola Bakare, said the conviction reinforces its determination to hold public officials accountable and deter the misuse of public office for personal enrichment.
