The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Abubakar Bawa Makuku, Sole Administrator and Caretaker Chairman of Sakaba LGA in Kebbi State, and Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, the council’s Director of Finance and Supply, over contract fraud and abuse of office involving ₦54 million.
The anti-corruption agency announced the development in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Friday.
According to the ICPC, the duo were arraigned before Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court in Birnin Kebbi on multiple counts bordering on abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial misconduct.
During the trial, prosecution counsel Hamza Sani told the court that Mr Fakai unlawfully withdrew ₦54 million from the council’s bank account in six tranches of ₦9 million each, in a deliberate attempt to evade financial reporting protocols.
The court also heard that Mr Makuku awarded contracts without due process and personally benefited from ₦10 million meant for official engagements of the local government.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, Justice Gakko found them guilty and convicted them accordingly.
Mr Fakai was sentenced to three years in prison or an option of a ₦2.5 million fine, while Mr Makuku was handed a four-year jail term or an option of a ₦1 million fine payable to Sakaba Local Government as compensation, in addition to another ₦1.5 million fine.
The ICPC said the judgment demonstrates its commitment to holding public officials accountable for corruption and misuse of public funds.
“This outcome reinforces the Commission’s resolve to ensure that public officers who betray public trust for personal gain are brought to justice,” the statement read.
