Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, has granted bail to the former governor of Kwara State, AbdulFatah Ahmed.
He was granted bail on Friday following his arraignment over his alleged involvement in the diversion of over N10 billion belonging to the state government.
As part of the bail conditions, Ahmed is required to deposit N50 million to the court and produce a surety with landed properties in Ilorin, among other obligations.
He is to remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until these conditions are met.
Background
The anti-graft agency had brought charges against Abdulfatah Ahmed before the Federal High Court in Ilorin, alleging the diversion of over N10 billion.
This followed his interrogation at the Ilorin Command Office regarding allegations of misappropriation during his tenure.
Investigations by the commission revealed misappropriation and diversion of state funds during Ahmed’s tenure as well as during the administration of Bukola Saraki, where Ahmed served as the Commissioner for Finance.
Ahmed, who served as Commissioner for Finance in Kwara State during Saraki’s tenure, succeeded Saraki as governor, serving from 2011 to 2019.
During his tenure, allegations of financial mismanagement surfaced, leading to investigations by the EFCC.
In 2021, Ahmed was questioned by EFCC operatives regarding the alleged diversion of funds amounting to N9 billion from the Kwara State government’s coffers.
His successor, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, won the 2019 election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Court Decision
Justice Evelyn Anyadike granted bail to Ahmed with conditions that he deposits N50 million to the court and provide a surety with landed properties in Ilorin.
She noted that Ahmed is to remain in EFCC custody until these conditions are met.