EFCC Witness Says Ex-Kwara Governor Did Not Directly Receive Alleged SUBEB Funds

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator has told the Kwara State High Court that former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed did not directly receive any part of the alleged N5.78 billion State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) funds under investigation.

 

The investigator, Stanley Ujilibo, made the disclosure during cross-examination in the ongoing trial of Ahmed and former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Demola Banu, who are facing charges over the alleged diversion of SUBEB funds.

 

Ujilibo told the court that neither the former governor nor the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) were signatories to the Kwara SUBEB account.

 

He, however, stated that Ahmed approved a request for a N1 billion loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund for the payment of workers’ salaries, following a request by the former finance commissioner.

 

The witness also said the EFCC did not investigate the former governor’s personal bank accounts because the petition before the commission did not directly link him to the movement of the funds.

 

Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar declined the defence’s request for an adjournment to obtain additional documents but allowed the defence to recall the witness for further cross-examination if necessary.

 

The case was adjourned until July 27 for continuation of trial.