Proceedings against former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his former finance commissioner, Ademola Banu, were halted this Monday at the Ilorin High Court. The two men face accusations of misusing N5.78 billion intended for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to cover civil service salaries.
Prosecutor Adebisi Adeniyi requested a postponement after concluding the cross-examination of witness Stanley Ujilibo, noting that additional witnesses were unavailable. During his questioning, Ujilibo admitted he could not confirm if Ayoola Idowu, the individual who reported the matter to the EFCC, personally received salary payments from the diverted funds.
Defense attorneys Kamaldeen Ajibade and Gboyega Oyewole challenged the witness on the financial records. Under scrutiny, Ujilibo failed to identify any documentation linking Banu to a written request to borrow SUBEB funds. Instead, evidence presented showed a letter from Banu to the governor urging the state to pay its required counterpart contributions to SUBEB. When pressed, Ujilibo acknowledged that documents referencing the actual borrowing were signed by other officials rather than the former commissioner.
With no opposition from the defense, Justice Abdulgafar Mahmoud adjourned the case until November 9, 2026.
