An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Abubakar Hassan, has detailed how over N5 billion in education funds allocated to the Kwara State government under former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed was allegedly misappropriated.
Hassan, an assistant director of finance at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), testified before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday, during the resumed hearing of the corruption case.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, the witness revealed that the funds, earmarked for educational projects in primary and junior secondary schools between 2013 and 2015, were diverted under Ahmed’s administration.
Hassan explained that the UBEC matching grants were intended to support infrastructure development in schools, including constructing buildings, providing laboratories, toilets, and water sanitation facilities, among others.
He stated that Kwara State received approximately N5 billion in grants during the period: N2 billion in 2013, N876 million in 2014, and N982 million in 2015.
However, while contractors were mobilized for 2013 projects, a project monitoring exercise revealed that about N2 billion allocated for that year had been diverted by the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
“The matching grants are disbursed only after a state prepares and defends its action plans and gets UBEC approval,” Hassan said.
However, the diversion of funds halted further activities.
He disclosed that UBEC had written to the Kwara SUBEB to address the diversion, but no response was received.
Consequently, UBEC directed banks to return the funds allocated for 2014 and 2015.
The state’s non-compliance with the recommendations also led to the suspension of grants for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Ahmed and Demola Banu, a former commissioner for finance, were re-arraigned in October before Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar on a 14-count charge of alleged theft and mismanagement of public funds amounting to N5.78 billion.
The charges include the alleged diversion of funds meant for the payment of teachers’ salaries under the Kwara SUBEB, as well as for security and infrastructure projects.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court adjourned the matter to February 17, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.
The case underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to address allegations of corruption in public office and ensure accountability for funds allocated to critical sectors like education.
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