The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned six officials of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) before Justice Akanbi of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin over alleged misappropriation of N96 million in public funds.
The accused officials include Ahmed Husain Olarewaju, Director of Finance and Supply; Omole Omololu John, Controller of Finance and Accounts; Fatai Oyerinde, Coordinator of the Salary Unit; Mujeeb Ibrahim, Executive Officer of Account and Salary Schedule; Salami Temitope Bashir; and Dauda Aweda Quozim, both staff of the Salary Unit.
According to the EFCC, the defendants face a four-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds. One of the charges alleges that between September and December 2018, the accused officials mismanaged N33.89 million belonging to Kwara SUBEB.
Another charge states that between January and June 2019, they diverted an additional N30.4 million from an account domiciled at Sterling Bank Plc.
The offences, which are punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code, were read in court, and all six defendants pleaded “not guilty.”
Following their plea, the prosecution counsel, Andrew Akoja, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the accused in a correctional facility. In response, the defense, led by Abdullahi Lawal, made oral applications for bail.
Justice Akanbi adjourned the case to April 16, 2025, for trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Ilorin pending further proceedings.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat financial mismanagement in government agencies.
