The third prosecution witness, Abdulsalam Sirajudeen has narrated how the former Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, failed to award the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) projects, after receiving counterpart funding and grants from the commission.
The witness was testifying before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, on Thursday, in the ongoing corruption trial of the ex-Governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Sirajudeen the former governor, and his Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, failed to award contracts for UBEC projects that were captured, and ratified in the 2013, 2014 and 2015, by the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) action plans after UBEC had given approval for their award and execution, backed with matching grants and counterpart funding.
The duo are facing prosecution by the EFCC on an amended 14-count charge, bordering on stealing and mismanagement of UBEC funds in Kwara State to the tune of N5.78billion.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness, told the court that each of the action plans was prepared by SUBEB in the state and sent to UBEC, Abujaz for review and approval, which was given.
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Furthermore, he disclosed that the former governor’s failure to award the contracts was after advertisement had been placed for their award, and qualified contractors invited for bidding.
“After approval, an advertisement is placed, inviting qualified contractors to bid. After four weeks, bidding takes place in the presence of all stakeholders, including UBEC representatives.
“Contractors who won the bids are then mobilized to project sites,” he said.
However, the witness disclosed that in all of the three action plans, the projects advertised and bidded for, were never awarded to the successful contractors.
The witness was cross-examined by the defence counsel, led by Jimoh Mumini (SAN), and Gboyega Oyewole (SAN).
The case was adjourned till April 10 and 11, 2025, for further hearing.
