A witness in the ongoing trial of former Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, told the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Thursday that N1 billion from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) fund was used to pay salaries and pensions in 2015, but the money was never returned.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the former governor on 14 charges related to the alleged misuse of N5.78 billion in UBEC funds during his time in office.
Lanre Daibu, former Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), testified as the fourth prosecution witness. He said the request to borrow N1 billion came via a phone call from the then Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu. According to him, the board demanded an official letter before releasing the money, which was later received with the governor’s approval.
Daibu explained that the funds were meant strictly for improving basic education infrastructure, not for paying salaries. Despite a promise to repay the loan within one or two months, the money was never refunded before the board was dissolved.
Another witness, Benjamin Fatigun, a retired permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance, confirmed the testimony. He told the court that the Ministry wrote to the governor explaining the financial challenges the state was facing. With the governor’s approval, the N1 billion was moved to the salary account.
Both witnesses were cross-examined by the defence lawyers, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and Gboyega Oyewole (SAN). Fatigun maintained that the loan was necessary due to the financial crisis at the time.
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar adjourned the case to Friday, April 11, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.