Court Schedules Cross-Examination in Kwara Gov's Trial

The Kwara State High Court has set April 20 for the cross-examination of a witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and former commissioner Demola Banu. They are accused of diverting N5.78 billion from the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) fund.

Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar presided over the proceedings, where EFCC's chief investigator, Stanlei Ujilibo, testified about the misuse of funds released to the state government for the years 2013, 2014, and 2015. Ujilibo revealed that the funds were not utilized according to the action plan submitted by SUBEB, which aimed to improve educational infrastructure.

The court heard how funds were allegedly moved to the state’s central account and used for projects unrelated to basic education. The prosecution has abandoned eight of the sixteen charges against the defendants, who are expected to face further questioning during the cross-examination.