The trial of former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his ex-Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, over the alleged diversion of N5.78 billion Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) funds was stalled on Monday due to the absence of key witnesses.
The case, before Justice Abdulgafar Mahmoud at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, could not proceed after the prosecution said its next witnesses were unavailable.
Prosecuting counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi, requested an adjournment, assuring the court that the witnesses would be present at the next hearing. Defence lawyers did not oppose the request.
Before the adjournment, a prosecution witness, Stanley Ujilibo, concluded his cross-examination. Under questioning by defence counsel, he said he could not confirm whether a petitioner in the case, Ayoola Idowu, benefited from the funds allegedly used to pay civil servants’ salaries.
Ujilibo also admitted he could not identify any document showing that Banu directly requested a loan from the SUBEB funds. He instead referenced a letter in which Banu asked the state government to pay its counterpart funding obligation. Another document indicating borrowing, he said, was signed by a different official.
Ahmed and Banu are being prosecuted for allegedly diverting over N5.78 billion meant for basic education to pay state workers’ salaries.
The court adjourned the case to November 9, 2026.
