Ex-Kebbi Council Officials Convicted for N54 Million Fraud and Abuse of Office
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of two former officials of the Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State for contract fraud and abuse of office involving approximately ₦54 million. The convicted officials are Mr. Abubakar Bawa Makuku, the former Sole Administrator and Caretaker Chairman, and Mr. Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, the former Director of Finance and Supply.
The conviction underscores the ICPC’s resolve to ensure that public officers who betray the trust of their offices for personal gain are brought to justice, according to Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and Spokesperson for the Commission.
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The duo was arraigned before Honourable Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court sitting in Birnin-Kebbi on multiple counts bordering on financial misconduct and fraudulent contract awards.
During the trial, prosecution evidence showed that Mr. Fakai unlawfully withdrew a total of ₦54 million from the Local Government’s bank account in six tranches of ₦9 million each. This method was deliberately used in a bid to evade mandatory financial reporting protocols under the Money Laundering Act.
Furthermore, Mr. Makuku was found guilty of corruptly awarding contracts without following due process and personally benefiting from the diversion of ₦10 million cash. These funds were designated for official engagements of the local government but were not utilized for their intended purpose.
Justice Gakko found them guilty as charged and convicted them accordingly. Mr. Fakai was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦2.5 million, while Mr. Makuku received a four-year jail term or a fine of ₦1 million as compensation to Sakaba Local Government, in addition to an extra ₦1.5 million fine.
By PRNigeria
