The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former registrar of Zamfara State Upper Sharia Court 1 Gusau, Abubakar Garba Dandare, before Justice Bello Shinkafi of Zamfara State High Court in Gusau.
Dandare faces two count charges related to the misappropriation of N3.8 million belonging to a late businessman, Alhaji Ladan Mada, and the forgery of the signature of his next of kin, Aminu Mada, on the Court Cash Deposit Register.
In a case filed by the EFCC with court case number ZMJ/GS/13C/2024, Dandare was accused of diverting N3,837,634.46, a sum designated for the family of late Alhaji Ladan Mada by the Zamfara State Ministry of Finance in December 2012, during his tenure as Registrar of Upper Sharia Court 1, Samaru Gusau, Zamfara State.
Additionally, Dandare is alleged to have forged the signature of Aminu Mada, late Alhaji Mada’s next of kin, on the Court Cash Deposit Register of the Upper Sharia Court 1, Samaru Gusau, Zamfara State, aiming to access the funds.
The EFCC states that these actions constitute the offense of Criminal Breach of Trust, as outlined in sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code CAP 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963.
During the court session on Wednesday, Justice Bello Mohammed Shinkafi presiding over the High Court, heard arguments from both the complainant’s counsel, Peter Attah, and the defendant’s counsel, Barrister Bello Umar. Following the proceedings, the judge decided to adjourn the hearing until June 6th to allow the complainant to submit a written address.
However, Justice Shinkafi granted bail to the defendant, Abubakar Garba Dandare, under the condition that he provides two sureties who are residents of the state, along with a sum of N5 million. The defendant must also submit their passport and two GSM numbers to the court registrar.
