The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Rabiu Musa Matazu, Director of Administration of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), for abuse of office and corrupt diversion of public funds.
Matazu was arraigned in Suit No. KTH/7C/2022 before Justice Abbas Bawule of the Katsina State High Court on a four-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to ICPC Prosecutor, Mr. Ibrahim Garba, the convict corruptly received ₦305,000 rent proceeds from properties belonging to SRRBDA in Katsina State through his subordinate, Mr. Lawal Dan Sarki, but failed to remit the funds into the agency’s account. Instead, he converted the money for personal use.
One of the charges read in court stated: “That you, Rabiu Musa Matazu (m), sometimes in October 2014 or thereabout within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your position as Director of Administration, Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), to confer unfair advantage upon yourself by receiving the total sum of ₦305,000 proceeds from rent collected on behalf of your agency, which you converted to your personal use and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
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Matazu had pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and the case went through a full trial that lasted three years.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bawule found the defendant guilty on all counts brought against him by the ICPC. The court sentenced him as follows:Counts 1, 2, and 3: Six months imprisonment each, with an option of ₦20,000 fine. Count 4: Five years imprisonment without an option of fine.
The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Matazu will serve a total of six years in prison.
The ICPC noted that the conviction reflects its unwavering commitment to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that public office is not exploited for personal enrichment.
The Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, stressed that the ruling underscores ICPC’s mandate to enforce transparency and integrity in public service.
