N5bn UBEC Fund Misuse: Former Kwara Gov Ahmed Under Scrutiny
Former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed is facing allegations of misappropriating approximately ₦5 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds between 2013 and 2015.
According to testimony presented by Abubakar Hassan, a finance director at UBEC, during a recent court hearing, the funds were meant to support infrastructure development in primary and junior secondary schools in Kwara State, such as building classrooms, providing laboratory equipment, and improving sanitation facilities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that significant portions of these funds, particularly ₦2 billion allocated in 2013, were diverted, with subsequent grants in 2014 and 2015 also being affected.
The diversion led to project delays and non-compliance with UBEC recommendations, prompting the commission to recall some of the funds from banks.
Ahmed and former finance commissioner Demola Banu are being tried on a 14-count charge of mismanagement of public funds totaling ₦5.78 billion.
They have pleaded not guilty, and the trial is scheduled to continue in February 2025