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Nicholas Uwerunonye
The trial of former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, over the alleged diversion of ₦5.78 billion in Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) funds suffered a setback on Monday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to produce its next witnesses.
The proceedings before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, were limited to the conclusion of the cross-examination of EFCC operative Stanley Ujilibo, the sixth prosecution witness.
Under cross-examination by Ahmed’s counsel, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Ujilibo said he could not confirm whether Ayoola Idowu, the former Director of Public Prosecutions whose petition triggered the investigation, benefited from the disputed funds when they were allegedly used to pay civil servants’ salaries.
Questioned by Banu’s counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), NAIJAONPOINT was unable to identify any document showing that the former finance commissioner personally requested the alleged borrowing from the SUBEB fund. Instead, he pointed to a letter signed by Banu requesting the release of the state’s counterpart funding for SUBEB.
When pressed further, Ujilibo identified another document relating to the alleged borrowing but acknowledged that it was signed by a different official, not Banu.
Following NAIJAONPOINT ’s discharge, prosecuting counsel Adebisi Adeniyi informed the court that the next prosecution witnesses were unavoidably absent and sought an adjournment, assuring the court they would be available at the next hearing.
The defence did not oppose the request.
Ahmed and Banu are facing prosecution over allegations that more than ₦5.78 billion meant for SUBEB projects was diverted to pay state workers’ salaries, an allegation both defendants have denied.
Justice Abdulgafar subsequently adjourned the case until November 9, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
