The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of two senior officials of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State over a ₦54 million contract scam.
Those convicted are Abubakar Bawa Makuku, Sole Administrator and Caretaker Chairman of the council, and Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, Director of Finance and Supply.
The Federal High Court sitting in Birnin Kebbi, presided over by Justice E. Gakko, found the duo guilty of multiple offences including abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial misconduct.
According to a statement released by the ICPC’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Friday, the court heard that Fakai withdrew ₦54 million from the council’s account in six separate tranches of ₦9 million each, in an attempt to bypass financial reporting requirements.
Prosecution counsel Hamza Sani told the court that the withdrawals were made unlawfully from the council’s account domiciled in First Bank Nigeria Plc, a violation of provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Similarly, Makuku was found to have awarded fake contracts without following due process and pocketed ₦10 million purportedly earmarked for official expenditure.
Despite their plea of not guilty, Justice Gakko ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
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The court sentenced Fakai to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦2.5 million fine, while Makuku received four years’ imprisonment or a total fine of ₦2.5 million, which includes ₦1 million as compensation to Sakaba Local Government.
In its reaction, the ICPC said the judgment reinforced its determination to rid Nigeria’s public sector of corruption, particularly at the grassroots level where such acts deprive communities of essential development.
“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 Commission stated.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the anti-graft agency to tighten accountability in local government administration across the country.