A state High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has scheduled the trial of former Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and former Finance Commissioner Alhaji Demola Banu to begin on December 3, 2024. The two officials face a total of 15 counts related to the alleged diversion of N3 billion in public funds during their time in office. Initially, they were arraigned at a Federal High Court in Ilorin, but the case was later moved to the state High Court.
During their re-arraignment yesterday, both Ahmed and Banu pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail of N100 million each. Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar, who presided over the hearing, confirmed that the trial would commence on the set date.
In an interview following the proceedings, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs explained that the transfer of the case was due to the completion of investigations into other aspects of the allegations, aimed at streamlining the legal process.
Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), the lead counsel for Ahmed and Banu, expressed confidence in their readiness to face the EFCC irrespective of the court handling the case, stating, “We have no skeletons in our cupboard.” He also noted that the court’s decision to grant bail with N100 million each was a generous one.
