Birnin-Kebbi, Nigeria – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged the former Sole Administrator of Sakaba Local Government, Abubakar Bawa Makuku, and his Director of Finance and Supply, Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, with alleged contract fraud and financial misconduct amounting to N54 million.
The duo appeared before Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court in Birnin-Kebbi on a three-count charge that includes abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial irregularities.
According to the ICPC, Fakai allegedly withdrew N54 million from the local government’s account in six separate transactions of N9 million each, reportedly to evade financial oversight.
Meanwhile, Makuku is accused of pocketing N10 million from government funds meant for official engagements and awarding contracts without following due process.
The ICPC detailed the charges against the defendants, stating:
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For Fakai: “In June 2016, while serving as Director of Finance & Supply, you withdrew a total of N54 million from the Sakaba Local Government account in six tranches of N9 million each, deliberately avoiding financial reporting obligations.
This act violates Section 19(1)(c) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
For Makuku: “In May 2016, as Sole Administrator, you conferred a corrupt advantage upon yourself by receiving N10 million in cash from local government funds meant for official purposes, which were never utilized as intended. This constitutes an offence under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecuting counsel, Hamza Sani, informed the court that the ICPC was ready to proceed with trial and requested a date for commencement.
Defense counsel J.D. Adeyemi applied for bail on behalf of the accused, a request that the prosecution did not oppose.
The court is expected to set a trial date in the coming proceedings.
