At the ongoing trial of former Kwara State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed and his ex-Finance Commissioner, Demola Banu, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Dr. Musa Dasuki, testified that the state government withdrew Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart funds between 2013 and 2016 to pay workers’ salaries.
The EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate accused Ahmed and Banu of misappropriating UBEC grants amounting to ₦5.78 billion between 2013 and 2019. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Allegations of Diverted Funds
Dr. Dasuki, a retired permanent secretary from the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), revealed that the state government consistently paid its 50% counterpart funds to UBEC during the period in question. According to him, the payments were as follows:
- ₦1 billion in 2013
- ₦952 million in 2014
- ₦869 million in 2015
- ₦973 million in 2016
These funds were deposited into a designated Skye Bank account, but the state government later withdrew them to finance salary payments.
Ahmed, Banu Not Directly Involved
During cross-examination by Ahmed’s counsel, Jimoh Mumuni (SAN), Dasuki clarified that neither Ahmed nor Banu were signatories to the SUBEB account or members of the board.
“The loan was not granted to Governor Ahmed or his finance commissioner. However, to the best of my knowledge, it was used to pay workers’ salaries. Unfortunately, the funds were never repaid,” Dasuki stated.
He also explained that the loans taken from SUBEB negatively impacted school infrastructure projects meant for primary and junior secondary schools in Kwara State.
EFCC’s Stand on the Case
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, argued that the misuse of these funds hindered the execution of critical educational projects.
The commission maintains that the diversion of UBEC grants violated federal regulations meant to ensure proper funding of basic education.
The case continues as both parties present further evidence.
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