EFCC Arraigns Six Kwara SUBEB Officials for Alleged ₦96m Fraud

…As anti-graft agency intensifies clampdown on public sector corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned six officials of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) over an alleged ₦96 million fraud. The accused persons were brought before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, on multiple charges bordering on criminal misappropriation and fraud.

The EFCC, in a statement released on Monday, revealed that the suspects—who include senior officials of the education board—were arrested following investigations into the alleged diversion of public funds meant for infrastructure development in public schools across the state.

According to the prosecution, the accused persons conspired to siphon funds meant for the renovation and construction of primary school projects under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme. The EFCC stated that its investigations uncovered fraudulent withdrawals, falsified documents, and fictitious contract awards to non-existent companies.

During the court proceedings, the EFCC legal team, led by counsel Mr. Andrew Akoja, presented evidence linking the accused to the fraudulent activities. The prosecution further argued that the illicit financial transactions had deprived schools of much-needed infrastructure, thereby negatively impacting the state’s educational system.

The charges against the officials include conspiracy to commit fraud, criminal breach of trust, and forgery, all punishable under the penal code and anti-corruption laws of Nigeria. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Abdulgafar ordered that they be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of their bail applications. The case was adjourned to a later date for further proceedings.

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to tackling corruption in the public sector, warning that it will leave no stone unturned in bringing corrupt officials to justice. The agency urged whistleblowers and members of the public to come forward with credible information that could aid investigations into financial crimes.

The trial is expected to set a precedent for accountability in the management of public funds within Nigeria’s education sector, as stakeholders call for stricter oversight and transparency in government spending.

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