The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Abubakar Bawa Makuku, Sole Administrator and Caretaker Chairman of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State, and Mr. Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, the Director of Finance and Supply of the same council, over contract fraud and abuse of office involving N54 million.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and Spokesperson of the Commission, the duo were found guilty by Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court sitting in Birnin-Kebbi on multiple counts bordering on abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial misconduct.
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The ICPC prosecution counsel, Mr. Hamza Sani, told the court that Mr. Fakai unlawfully withdrew a total of N54 million from the coffers of Sakaba Local Government in six separate tranches of N9 million each, deliberately structured to evade financial reporting protocols and oversight.
“That you, Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, in June 2016 or thereabout, at Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while serving as Director of Finance and Supply, withdrew a total of N54,000,000.00 (Fifty-Four Million Naira) from the Sakaba Local Government bank account at First Bank Nigeria Plc in six tranches of N9,000,000.00 each, with the intent to avoid the legal duty of reporting the said sum, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 19(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” the charge read in part.
The court also heard how Mr. Makuku abused his position by corruptly awarding contracts without due process and personally benefiting from the diversion of N10 million allocated for official engagements of the local government.
The ICPC statement emphasized that the conviction underscores the Commission’s renewed commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency at all levels of government, particularly in local administrations.
Justice Gakko, after reviewing the evidence and arguments, found the accused persons guilty as charged and convicted them accordingly.
The Commission urged public officers to uphold integrity and accountability in the management of public resources, warning that any breach of financial regulations would be met with the full weight of the law.
