The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has adjourned proceedings in the alleged N5.78 billion SUBEB funds trial of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, to July 27, 2026, for continuation of the cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness.
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar granted the adjournment following an application by the defence, which informed the court that lead counsel Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, was indisposed.
The defendants are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of SUBEB counterpart funds.
During cross-examination, EFCC investigator Stanley Ujilibo told the court that the former governor approved a request for a N1 billion loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund to pay workers’ salaries.
“The former governor gave approval for a request to secure a N1 billion loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund for the payment of workers’ salaries,” the witness said.
Ujilibo explained that the request was made by the then Commissioner for Finance and was contrary to the statutory purpose for which the SUBEB funds were designated.
The witness also stated that the SUBEB operated under its own governing board and that neither Ahmed nor Banu was a member, although the former governor appointed the board chairman and other principal officers.
He further disclosed that the EFCC did not investigate Ahmed’s personal bank accounts because the petition before the commission did not link the allegedly diverted funds to any of his personal accounts.
Ujilibo added that none of the accounting officers of the Kwara SUBEB is currently facing trial in connection with the case.
Justice Abdulgafar declined the defence’s request for an adjournment to obtain the defendant’s EFCC statement and asset declaration forms but ruled that the defence could recall the witness for further cross-examination after obtaining the documents. The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 27.
