The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of two senior officials of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State — Mr. Abubakar Bawa Makuku, the Sole Administrator and Caretaker Chairman, and Mr. Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, the Director of Finance and Supply — over contract fraud and abuse of office involving the sum of N54 million.
The duo was arraigned before Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court sitting in Birnin-Kebbi on multiple counts bordering on fraudulent contract awards, financial misconduct, and abuse of office.
According to ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, during the trial, the prosecution counsel, Hamza Sani, presented evidence showing that Mr. Fakai unlawfully withdrew N54 million from the coffers of the local government in six tranches of N9 million each, in a deliberate attempt to evade financial reporting protocols.
The court also heard how Mr. Makuku corruptly awarded contracts without due process and personally benefited from the diversion of N10 million meant for official local government engagements.
One of the charges against Mr. Fakai stated that he withdrew the funds from the Sakaba Local Government’s First Bank account to avoid legal reporting obligations — an offence contrary to Section 19(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Similarly, Mr. Makuku was charged for using his office to confer corrupt advantage on himself by collecting N10 million in cash that was not used for its designated purpose, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Although both defendants pleaded not guilty, Justice Gakko found them guilty as charged and convicted them accordingly.
In his ruling, the judge sentenced Mr. Fakai to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of N2.5 million, while Mr. Makuku received a four-year jail term or an option of N1 million as compensation to Sakaba Local Government, in addition to a N1.5 million fine.
The ICPC said the judgment reflects its unwavering commitment to ensuring accountability in public office and to bringing corrupt public officials to justice in line with Nigerian anti-corruption laws.
