The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has adjourned the trial of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, to July 27, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness, Stanley Ujilibo. Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar granted the adjournment after counsel to the second defendant informed the court that the lead defence lawyer was indisposed.
Ahmed and Banu are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of 5.78 billion naira belonging to the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). During the hearing, Ujilibo, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, testified that Ahmed approved a request for a 1 billion naira loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund to pay workers’ salaries following a request from the Ministry of Finance.
Under cross-examination, the witness stated that SUBEB operates under an independent governing board and that neither Ahmed nor Banu was a member. He, however, noted that the former governor was responsible for appointing the board’s chairman and principal officers. Ujilibo also disclosed that EFCC investigators did not examine Ahmed’s personal bank accounts because the petition before the Commission did not link the alleged diverted funds to any personal account.
The court also heard that no SUBEB accounting officer is currently standing trial in connection with the case. Justice Abdulgafar declined a defence request seeking more time to obtain statements and asset declaration forms allegedly made by Ahmed, but ruled that the defence could recall the witness for further cross-examination after securing the documents.
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