Court Adjourns N1bn Fraud Trial, Grants KANSIEC Officials Hajj Leave

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Jame Omotosho, adjourned the N1 billion fraud trial involving officials of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC). The court granted Chairman Sani Malumfashi, Secretary Ana Mustapha, and Deputy Director Ado Garba permission to travel for Hajj and Umrah amid ongoing proceedings.

The trio faces six counts of independent corrupt practices related to allegations of misappropriating funds totaling N1 billion, with the trial scheduled to continue on June 30, 2024. Their arraignment occurred on January 27, 2024, with bail set at N200 million.

The charges, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), include unlawful possession of N450 million and other financial misconducts. The court noted that the prosecution did not oppose the defendants' request to fulfill their religious obligations, and the matter was adjourned to allow for this travel.