Fresh revelations emerged at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin as an EFCC investigator testified on how alleged ₦5.78 billion UBEC funds were spent.
The funds, originally released for basic education projects, were reportedly used for salaries, loans, and road projects. The case involves former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and former Finance Commissioner Ademola Banu.
The Facts (Confirmed Details)
- The trial is before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar at the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin.
- Former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and former Finance Commissioner Ademola Banu are standing trial.
- The case concerns an alleged diversion of ₦5.78 billion UBEC funds.
- The funds covered the years 2013, 2014, and 2015.
- EFCC investigator Stanley Ujilibo testified as the sixth prosecution witness.
- Some funds were allegedly used for loan repayment, salaries, and road projects.
- The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for cross-examination.
What Happened in Court
The resumed trial of former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, continued on Monday before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
Testifying as the sixth prosecution witness, Stanley Ujilibo, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), told the court that funds released to the Kwara State Government under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grant were not utilised in line with the approved action plans.
According to the EFCC witness, the funds covered educational grants for the years 2013, 2014, and 2015 and were meant to improve primary and junior secondary school infrastructure across the state.
Where and Who Is Affected
The alleged diversion concerns funds meant to benefit pupils across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
The Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), according to the testimony, had submitted detailed action plans outlining projects to improve learning conditions.
These plans reportedly highlighted the state of primary and junior secondary schools across Kwara.
If proven, the allegations could have implications for public education infrastructure in the state during the period under review.
Alleged Use of Funds – ₦5.78bn UBEC Funds Trial in Kwara EFCC Witness
The EFCC investigator told the court that investigations revealed that the UBEC matching grants were moved from dedicated accounts into the Kwara State Government’s central account domiciled in a commercial bank.
He stated that portions of the funds were allegedly spent on projects including:
- Reconstruction of Omosebi Bridge
- Coca-Cola Road Bridge
- Michael Imodu/Afon Junction Road
- Lafiaji Township Road
- Rehabilitation of the Ilorin water supply network
The witness told the court that these projects had no direct link to basic education.
He further stated that ₦952,297,297.30, representing the UBEC fund for 2014, was allegedly used for the liquidation of a loan principal.
Additionally, the court heard that a request allegedly signed by the second defendant sought approval to obtain a ₦1 billion loan from SUBEB counterpart funds to augment workers’ salaries.
According to the witness, funds meant for improving learning infrastructure were deployed for purposes outside their statutory mandate and without direct benefit to pupils.
Background to the Case
The defendants are being prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC over the alleged diversion of part of the ₦5.78 billion UBEC funds.
UBEC matching grants are federal funds released to states to improve basic education, provided states meet counterpart funding requirements and submit approved action plans.
According to the EFCC witness, SUBEB officials had earlier defended their action plans in Abuja before the funds were released.
Official Response
At the time of writing, the court is yet to hear the defence’s cross-examination of the prosecution witness. No official statement from the defendants was presented during this session of the trial.
What Happens Next
Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s examination-in-chief, Justice Abdulgafar adjourned the case to April 20, 2026, for the cross-examination of the witness.
The outcome of the proceedings will determine the next phase of the trial.
Sources: Vanguard Nigeria; Proceedings at the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin.
