Proceedings in the alleged N5.78 billion fraud trial involving former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, were on Wednesday adjourned until July 27, 2026, by the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar fixed the new date for the continuation of the cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness, Stanley Ujilibo, following a request by the defence.
The adjournment came after counsel to the second defendant informed the court that lead defence lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), was unable to attend proceedings due to health reasons.
Ahmed and Banu are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations relating to the diversion of N5.78 billion belonging to the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
During his testimony, Ujilibo, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, told the court that investigations revealed the former governor approved a request to obtain a N1 billion loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund for the payment of workers’ salaries.
According to the witness, the approval followed a request submitted by the then Commissioner for Finance, despite the fact that the funds were designated for specific educational purposes.
Ujilibo also explained that while the governor had the authority to appoint the chairman and principal officers of SUBEB, he was not a member of the board responsible for the agency’s day-to-day operations.
He further stated that neither Ahmed nor Banu served as members of the SUBEB governing board.
The witness told the court that investigators did not examine Ahmed’s personal bank accounts because the petition that initiated the investigation did not allege that any of the disputed funds were traced to the former governor’s personal accounts.
He also disclosed that no accounting officers of SUBEB are currently standing trial in connection with the case.
During the proceedings, counsel to Ahmed requested additional time to obtain copies of statements allegedly made by the former governor to the EFCC, as well as his asset declaration records, which he said were needed for further cross-examination of the witness.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the defence had ample opportunity to seek the documents since the trial began.
In his ruling, Justice Abdulgafar declined to halt proceedings on that basis but held that the defence could recall the witness for further questioning after obtaining the requested documents.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to July 27, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
