The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Abubakar Bawa Makuku, Caretaker Chairman of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State, and Mr. Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, the council’s Director of Finance and Supply, for contract fraud and abuse of office involving ₦54 million.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and Spokesperson of the Commission, the duo was found guilty by Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court, Birnin-Kebbi, after facing multiple charges of abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial misconduct.
During the trial, ICPC’s counsel, Mr. Hamza Sani, tendered evidence showing that Mr. Fakai unlawfully withdrew ₦54 million from the local government’s coffers in six tranches of ₦9 million each, deliberately bypassing financial reporting procedures.
The court also established that Mr. Makuku corruptly awarded contracts without due process and personally benefited from ₦10 million meant for official engagements of the local government.
Justice Gakko found both defendants guilty and convicted them accordingly. Mr. Fakai was sentenced to three years in prison or a fine of ₦2.5 million, while Mr. Makuku was handed a four-year jail term or an option of ₦1 million compensation to the local government and an additional ₦1.5 million fine.
The Commission said the judgment reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that public officers who misuse their positions for personal gain face the full weight of the law.
