The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recorded another major victory in its anti-corruption drive with the conviction of two senior officials of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State over a N54 million contract fraud.
Those convicted are Mr. Abubakar Bawa Makuku, Sole Administrator and Caretaker Chairman of Sakaba Local Government, and Mr. Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, Director of Finance and Supply of the same council.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, on Friday, the duo were arraigned before Honourable Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court sitting in Birnin Kebbi on multiple counts bordering on abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial misconduct.
During the trial, ICPC prosecution counsel, Mr. Hamza Sani, presented evidence showing that Mr. Fakai unlawfully withdrew a total of N54 million from the coffers of Sakaba Local Government in six tranches of N9 million each, in a deliberate attempt to evade financial reporting protocols.
The court also heard how Mr. Makuku corruptly awarded contracts without following due process and personally benefited from the diversion of N10 million meant for official engagements of the local government.
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One of the charges against Fakai stated that he withdrew a total of N54,000,000.00 from the local government’s First Bank account “with the intent to avoid the legal duty of reporting the said sum,” contrary to Section 19(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Another charge against Makuku alleged that he received N10,000,000.00 in cash from the Finance and Supply office of Sakaba Local Government, funds that were designated for official activities but never utilized for their intended purpose—an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, but after reviewing the evidence, Justice Gakko found them guilty as charged and convicted them accordingly.
Mr. Fakai was sentenced to three years imprisonment or a fine of N2.5 million, while Mr. Makuku received a four-year jail term or a fine of N1 million as compensation to Sakaba Local Government, in addition to another N1.5 million fine.
The ICPC noted that the judgment reflects its unwavering commitment to ensuring that public officers who misuse their positions for personal gain are held accountable in accordance with the law.
“This judgment underscores ICPC’s resolve to ensure that public officers who betray the trust of their offices for personal gain are brought to justice,” the statement added.
