The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought charges against Abubakar Bawa Makuku, the former Sole Administrator of Sakaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kebbi State, and Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, the former Director of Finance and Supply of the LGA, for their alleged involvement in a N54 million contract fraud.
According to an ICPC statement, the two individuals are facing charges of abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial misconduct.
The commission alleges that Fakai withdrew a total of N54 million in six separate transactions, each of N9 million, in an attempt to bypass the financial reporting protocols established by the local government.
The charge sheet outlines that Fakai is accused of unlawfully withdrawing N54 million from the Sakaba LGA’s account at First Bank Nigeria in six separate withdrawals of N9 million, potentially to evade the legal duty of reporting the sum.
Makuku, on the other hand, is accused of diverting N10 million that was meant for official engagements and awarding contracts without due process.
The commission claims that Makuku used his position to wrongfully enrich himself with the funds, which were initially allocated for official government purposes.
Both defendants were arraigned before Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court in Birnin-Kebbi on Thursday.
Fakai faces charges under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, while Makuku is charged under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act of 2000.
During the proceedings, both accused individuals pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Prosecuting counsel Hamza Sani indicated that the ICPC is prepared to proceed with the trial and requested that the court set a date for the hearing.
The defence counsel, J.D. Adeyemi, filed a bail application for the defendants, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
The court is expected to rule on the bail request shortly.
