The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed 14 fresh charges against former Kwara State governor Abdulfattah Ahmed and his former Commissioner of Finance, Ademola Banu, over an alleged N5.78 billion fraud. The charges were filed before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court.

The charges allege diversion and misappropriation of public funds meant for projects and state security. This fresh arraignment follows the withdrawal of the case last week from the Federal High Court in Ilorin after the transfer of the trial judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike.

Ahmed and Banu were first arraigned in April 2024 on 12 counts of mismanagement of public funds. The case has now started de novo with additional charges. Notably, Ahmed is accused in one count of failing to declare assets upon arrest by EFCC officers, an offense that carries a potential five-year sentence.

Among the allegations, Ahmed is accused of spending N1.61 billion meant for state security to charter private jets. The charges also involve the illegal transfer of over N990 million from a state education fund to repay loans, breaching the Universal Basic Education Act.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty. The court granted them bail of N100 million each, with conditions including sureties who must be serving or retired permanent secretaries.

The case was adjourned to December 4 and 5, 2024, for further hearing.