RismadarVoice Reporters
June 17, 2026
The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, to July 27, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of a key prosecution witness.
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar granted the adjournment on Wednesday following an application by defence counsel, who informed the court that lead counsel Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, was indisposed.
Ahmed and Banu are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of ₦5.78 billion belonging to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
During proceedings, the sixth prosecution witness, Stanley Ujilibo, an Assistant Commander with the EFCC, told the court that Ahmed approved a request to obtain a ₦1 billion loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund for the payment of workers’ salaries. According to him, the request originated from the then Commissioner for Finance and was inconsistent with the statutory purpose of the education fund.
Under cross-examination, Ujilibo explained that SUBEB operates through its own governing board and that neither Ahmed nor Banu served as board members. He noted, however, that the former governor was responsible for appointing the board’s chairman and principal officers.
The witness also disclosed that EFCC investigators did not examine Ahmed’s personal bank accounts because the petition that triggered the investigation did not link the allegedly diverted funds to any account belonging to the former governor.
He further revealed that none of the accounting officers of SUBEB is currently standing trial in connection with the case.
During the hearing, counsel to Ahmed requested an adjournment to obtain copies of statements allegedly made by the former governor to the EFCC, as well as his asset declaration forms, to aid further cross-examination.
The EFCC opposed the request, arguing that the defence had ample time to seek the documents since the trial commenced in 2024.
In his ruling, Justice Abdulgafar declined the application but held that the defence could recall the witness for additional cross-examination after obtaining the requested documents.
The case was subsequently adjourned until July 27, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
