July 22, 2025
The trial of former Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, continued on Monday over allegations of financial misappropriation amounting to N5.78 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ahmed alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ademola Banu. Both are accused of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illegal diversion of state funds during Ahmed’s tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019.
According to the EFCC, the funds in question were meant for critical infrastructure projects and state development but were allegedly funneled into private accounts and used for personal purposes. The Commission presented documentary evidence and financial records in court to support its claims.
During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution counsel presented additional witnesses and continued cross-examination of financial experts linked to the case. The defense team, however, challenged the credibility of some documents, arguing procedural irregularities in the EFCC’s investigation.
Justice Evelyn Imade of the Federal High Court in Ilorin presided over the case and adjourned the hearing to a later date for continuation of trial.
The courtroom was heavily guarded, and the trial attracted observers from civil society groups, anti-corruption watchdogs, and political stakeholders across Kwara State.
The case remains one of the most high-profile corruption trials in the state’s history, with many citizens awaiting the outcome as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability in public service.