THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Abubakar Bawa Makuku, the former Sole Administrator of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State, and his Director of Finance and Supply, Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, on charges of alleged contract fraud totaling N54 million. The arraignment took place before Justice E. Gakko at the Federal High Court in Birnin-Kebbi.
The ICPC leveled a three-count charge against the duo, accusing them of abuse of office, fraudulent contract awards, and financial misconduct. According to the charges, Fakai allegedly withdrew N54 million in six tranches of N9 million each from Sakaba Local Government’s bank account to bypass financial reporting protocols. Makuku is accused of diverting N10 million intended for official engagements and awarding contracts without adhering to due process.
One of the charges against Fakai reads:
“That you, Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, in June 2016 or thereabout, at Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while serving as Director of Finance & Supply, withdrew a total of N54,000,000.00 (Fifty-Four Million Naira) from the Sakaba Local Government bank account at First Bank Nigeria Plc in six tranches of N9,000,000.00 each, with the intent to avoid the legal duty of reporting the said sum. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 19(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Similarly, Makuku faces charges for allegedly using his position to enrich himself corruptly. One charge states:
“That you, Abubakar Bawa Makuku, in May 2016 or thereabout, at Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while serving as Sole Administrator, used your office to confer corrupt advantage upon yourself by receiving N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) in cash from the Finance and Supply office of Sakaba Local Government. The funds were designated for official government activities but were not utilized for their intended purpose. You thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges during their arraignment. Prosecuting counsel Hamza Sani expressed ICPC’s readiness to proceed with trial and requested a date for commencement. Defense counsel J.D. Adeyemi sought bail for the defendants—a motion that was not opposed by the prosecution.
