metro

Ex-AG-F Idris returned $900,000 cash, witness tells court

Published

4 years ago

November 24, 2022

Suspended Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F), Ahmed Idris

A HIGH Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama heard yesterday that the suspended Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F), Ahmed Idris, voluntarily returned about $900,000 in cash.

The witness said the returned cash was part of the public funds allegedly diverted by the embattled AG-F.

Idris is standing trial for alleged missing N109 billion public funds under his watch.

The court also heard how N84.7 billion was taken from the $2.2 billion due to the nine oil-producing states, and shared by some senior government officials.

An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Hayatudeen Ahmed, made the disclosure while testifying at the trial of Idris and three others.

The suspended accountant-general; his former Technical Assistant, Godfrey Olusegun Akindele; a director in the Office of the AG-F, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and a firm linked with Idris – Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited – are being tried on a 14-count charge of stealing and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N109 billion.

READ ALSO:

Ahmed, who testified as the first prosecution witness, was led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN). He gave details of how his team investigated a petition in which Idris was accused of abuse of his office and compromised government’s platforms, such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIVMIS), among others.

The witness said when Idris was confronted with facts, “he (Idris) returned $900,000, less $100 ($899,900) voluntarily, which has now formed part of exhibit in the case.

He said out of the N84.7 billion that was shared among some government officials, N32 billion has been recovered so far.

The witness also told the court how Idris allegedly hired his ex-aide, Akindele, as a consultant to distribute N84.3 bilion out of the N84.7 billion.

He said Akindele later gave Idris N4.2b in appreciation for his engagement as the consultant to handle the distribution of the money.

The witness said: “After the petition was assigned to our team, investigation commenced. We wrote to banks, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other government agencies.

“From analysis of bank documents received, we discovered that a Baita Kura of B. I. Kura Enterprises, a bureau de change operator, made several deposits of money amounting to N280 million between 2019 and 2021 into the account of the fourth defendant – Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Ltd.

“Based on this finding, Baita was invited. He admitted in his statement that those monies that he paid into the first defendant’s (Idris’) account, were given to him by the first defendant.

“We discovered that the payments made were on the instruction of the first defendant.

“We also discovered from other bank statements analysis that a certain Architect Mustapha Muktar of Marcs and Construction Ltd received various sums from Baita Kura, amounting to about N866 million.

READ ALSO:

“Based on this, we invited Architect Mustapha, who gave statement and explained that the money he received from Baita were on the instruction of the first defendant.”

The witness claimed Mustapha said Idris asked him to use the money for the construction of the Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange in Gezawa Town, Kano.

He said his team learnt of the agitation by the nine oil producing states about the lack of deductions of 13 per cent derivation accrued to them from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

The witness added: “It was discovered further that this agitation was tabled before the Post-mortem sub-committee of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

“The committee deliberated on the request and came up with a figure of about $2.2b as what was due to the nine oil-producing states. And, that deductions for this payment would be made over a 60-month period.

“A total of 11.5 per cent of the total sum, which is equivalent N84.7 billion, was set aside as facilitation for some public officials to approve and release the request. This was done under the guise of consultancy.

“The services of Olusegun Akindele & Co, a firm belonging to the second defendant (Akindele), was used for this purpose.

“The proprietor of Olusegun Akindele & Co is the second defendant – Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, who was until recently, a staff of the office of the AG-F and a technical assistant to the first defendant.

“The account of Olusegun Akindele & Co received the cumulative sum of N84.3 billion, representing 9.8 per cent, less taxes from the 11.5 per cent that was set aside earlier.

“He received the money in his First Bank account, from the FAAC withheld Escrow account, under the control of the first and third defendants (Idris and Usman).

“The third defendant is Mohammed Kudu Usman, a former director in the office of the AG-F.

“When the statement of account of Olusegun Akindele & Co was received, we analysed it and found that after the receipt of N84.3 billion, it was shared among five groups.

“The first group was the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) group, represented by a commissioner in the commission, by name Chris Akumas. It received 2.2 per cent out of 9.8 per cent, which amounted to N18.7 billion.

“After the second defendant received the money, he converted the amount to United States (U.S.) dollars and handed same to Chris Akumas for members of that group.

READ ALSO:

“The second group is the accountant-general group, represented by the first defendant, which received N18.1 billion, equivalent of 2.1 per cent

“Some of these funds were also converted to U.S. dollars and handed to the first defendant. From the second group, the third defendant received about N1.8b equivalent in U.S. dollars.

“The third group is that of the Commissioners of Finance of the nine oil-producing states, which received 2.5 percent amount to N21.4 billion. This same amount was converted to U.S. dollars by the second defendant and given to Chris Akumas for the group.

“There was the Abdulaziz Yari group, represented by the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazid Yari. This group got N17.15 billion, representing two per cent.

“Payment to this group was made to a company nominated by Yari, known as Fintes Consultancy Ltd. This was not paid in dollars. It was transferred to the company’s account on the instructions of ex-governor Yari.

“The last group is the group of the consultant, who got about 1.04 per cent, amounting to N8.9 billion, out of which he converted about N4.2 billion to U.S. dollars and handed to the first defendant as appreciation for nominating him as the consultant. The consultant benefited about N4.6 billion.

“The second defendant was invited and he made statement. He admitted to receiving and sharing the money as I had stated.

“These funds were also traced to the purchase of properties, both commercial and residential in several parts of Kano, the FCT, and Minna in Niger State.

“So far, the sum of $2.7 million, less $100, has been recovered in cash from the first, second and third defendants. As at today, N32b has been recovered from the five groups.

“From the accountant-general group, $2.7 million, less 100 dollars, was recovered. N304m was also recovered from the group.

“Another N50 million was recovered from the third defendant, who is part of this group, in addition to properties recovered.

“The bulk of the N32 billion was recovered from the first, second and third groups.

“The sum of about N3b was traced to the construction of the commodity market at Gezawa Town, Kano, from funds received by the first defendant from the second and fifth groups.

“N504 million was also traced to the reconstruction of Alikhlas Supermarket also known as Kano City Mall, belonging to the first defendant, located at Mandarin area of Kano.

“In relation to the $2.7 million less than $100, the sum of $1.8 million cash was recovered from persons who received the $1.8 million from the first defendant.

“$900,000 less $100 was recovered from the first defendant himself, who returned same voluntarily.

“He returned it in cash, which has been received and registered as exhibit in this case by the commission,” the witness said.

Although lawyers to the defendants – Chris Uche, Joe Abraham, Mohammed Ndayako and Gordy Uche (all SANs) objected, Justice Halilu Yusuf admitted in evidence the petition written against Idris and Akindele’s firm’s account statements.

They, however, objected to the admission of the defendants’ statements, which they claimed were obtained under inducement and duress.

Upon defence lawyers’ request, Justice Yusuf agreed to conduct trial within trial to ascertain the voluntariness or otherwise of the statements.

He adjourned till January 30 for the commencement of the trial within trial.

The Nation

Related Topics:court Ex-AG-F Featured Idris

Up Next

INEC Moves To Check Illicit Flow of Campaign Funds

Don't Miss

Wife Stabbed Hubby To Death For Making Move For Sex

metro

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

Published

14 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration across Nigeria.

The declaration was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Monday through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the public holiday declaration reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual significance of Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most important festivals in Islam, observed by millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.

The minister congratulated Muslim faithful both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing the festival as a solemn period of sacrifice, devotion, obedience to God and compassion for humanity.

He noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-ul-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command, a symbolic act that remains central to Islamic teachings on faith and submission.

READ ALSO:

Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the holiday period for prayers and reflection on the country’s unity and collective progress.

“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement said.

He also encouraged citizens to embrace the values of brotherhood, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity, stressing the importance of religious harmony and mutual understanding among Nigerians.

The minister called on Muslims to reflect the true spirit of the celebration by extending kindness to the less privileged and promoting acts of charity, which remain key teachings of the festival.

The Federal Government further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring national peace and stability while wishing Muslims across the country a peaceful, joyous and spiritually fulfilling celebration.

The announcement is expected to trigger increased travel movement across the country as many Nigerians prepare to celebrate with family and loved ones, with transport operators and commercial centres likely to experience heightened activity ahead of the festivities.

Security agencies are also expected to intensify surveillance across major cities, highways and public gathering points to ensure a peaceful celebration nationwide.

Eid-el-Kabir is one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated annually and is traditionally marked by congregational prayers, animal sacrifice, charity and communal festivities.

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

metro

Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

Published

14 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Nura Aliyu Garwa, who is currently under police investigation over alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate, had earlier been suspended from office before seeking election into the Katsina State House of Assembly.

Garwa is among the suspects recently paraded by the Katsina State Police Command over the alleged abduction of an eight-year-old boy at Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis, a case that has sparked widespread concern across the state.

The government’s position was made known in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Salisu Zango, who clarified that Garwa had already been removed from office over misconduct before his political ambition to contest for a legislative seat in Batsari Local Government Area.

According to the statement, Garwa was suspended for his alleged involvement in the diversion of empowerment materials meant for distribution to communities under the state’s Community Development Programme.

The commissioner explained that the suspension was part of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to accountability and transparency in public service.

“The suspected mastermind of the kidnapping syndicate, Nura Aliyu Garwa, had earlier been suspended as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development before his intention to contest for the position of member of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Batsari Local Government,” the statement said.

READ ALSO:

It added that his suspension followed allegations bordering on the diversion of items meant to empower vulnerable communities in Batsari.

Governor Radda described the allegations linking Garwa to criminal activity as disturbing, especially given his previous role in government and his political aspirations.

The governor condemned the activities of the suspected syndicate and commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their swift action in dismantling the criminal network.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to help combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

The development follows the recent parade of suspected kidnappers by the Katsina State Police Command, during which security operatives announced the arrest of members of a syndicate allegedly responsible for the abduction of the eight-year-old victim in Katsina metropolis.

Police authorities identified Garwa as one of the principal suspects and alleged that investigations had uncovered his connection to the criminal operation.

The arrest has generated intense public reaction due to Garwa’s previous status as a government aide and his attempt to secure elective office.

Security agencies say investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the syndicate’s operations and determine whether additional arrests will be made.

The case comes amid intensified efforts by the Katsina State Government and federal security agencies to curb kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes that have continued to challenge security in parts of the state and the wider North-West region.

Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

metro

Bandits Storm Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Wives, Children in Midnight Raid

Published

14 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Kwara Police Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Bandits Storm Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Wives, Children in Midnight Raid

Suspected bandits launched a coordinated assault on Yashikira community in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government Area, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting at least 10 persons including multiple wives and children of the traditional ruler in an attack that has heightened tensions across the state’s northern region.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that suspected armed bandits launched a coordinated midnight attack on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, burning part of the Emir’s palace and abducting 10 people, including wives and children of the traditional ruler, Alhaji Umar Seriki.

The command said the attackers struck at about 2:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, in a simultaneous assault on the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir’s palace, describing it as a “coordinated and desperate operation.” According to reports, about 15 suspected bandits were involved in the invasion, which occurred just days before the Eid el-Kabir celebrations.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the attack resulted in the abduction of 10 persons, while security operatives successfully repelled the assault on the police station. The police noted that the swift response of the officers prevented the bandits from overrunning the police facility.

The Kwara State Police Command condemned what it called “the cowardly and audacious attack,” stating that the armed criminals, in a “coordinated and desperate assault,” simultaneously attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira. The statement added that during the attack, part of the palace was set ablaze, while ten people were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

READ ALSO:

Following the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, immediately ordered a full-scale, intelligence-driven tactical operation involving the military, police, forest guards, vigilantes, and other security stakeholders to comb the surrounding forests and criminal hideouts with the sole objective of rescuing the victims unhurt and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The command stated that it remains battle-ready and fully determined to confront these “enemies of peace” with every lawful operational asset and strategy at its disposal. The police vowed: “These criminals have declared war against peace-loving citizens, and we are fully prepared to hunt them down relentlessly. We will deploy everything within our operational capacity to smoke them out of hiding, dismantle their networks, rescue all abducted victims, and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”

However, earlier accounts from residents painted a more harrowing picture of the attack. Sources said the attackers stormed the community between about 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., firing sporadically before advancing on the palace and surrounding areas. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and moved directly to the palace complex, overpowering local vigilantes and operating for hours while terrified villagers fled into nearby bushes for safety.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said three wives and four children of the traditional ruler were among those abducted during the invasion. “I just finished communicating with my father right now. In his report, he said three of the wives of the Emir and four children were abducted, including some resident members of the community,” the resident said.

Another witness, Tukur Ahmed, corroborated this account, stating: “They came on motorcycles and went straight to the palace. They were shooting into the air and broke into the inner quarters where the Emir’s wives and children were. They took three of the wives and four children, alongside some other residents, before setting the cars on fire and leaving the town.”

Sources also confirmed that several vehicles belonging to the palace were set ablaze during the raid, causing extensive property damage estimated in millions of naira. It was further gathered that the Emir was not present in the palace at the time of the attack and escaped unharmed.

A senior police officer at the Baruten Divisional Police Headquarters located at Kosubosu, who sought anonymity, confirmed the development, stating that security agencies had commenced efforts to rescue the abducted victims and track down the attackers. “We have sent signal to the state police headquarters in Ilorin and we have commenced manhunt of the suspected bandits,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced bush-combing and surveillance operations across the area as part of ongoing efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers. The police command has assured residents of Yashikira and other parts of Kaiama Local Government Area that security operations have been intensified across vulnerable communities, with surveillance, intelligence gathering, and aggressive bush-combing operations ongoing.

This attack came barely 48 hours after another deadly incident in Kwara State. On Saturday night, armed men invaded a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a vigil. These two attacks, happening within days of each other, have raised significant concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of North Central Nigeria.

Kwara North has in recent months witnessed a significant escalation in banditry, with repeated attacks on rural communities, highways, and traditional institutions across Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. In February 2026, youths from Kwara North staged a protest demanding an end to incessant killings and bandit attacks ravaging communities in the region. The protesters alleged that recent attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area claimed between 162 and 200 lives within two days.

More recently, in April 2026, armed bandits attacked the Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing five forest guards. The bandits, who reportedly stormed the community in large numbers at about 3:00 am, also destroyed property worth millions of naira, including setting motorcycles belonging to forest guards ablaze and burning patrol vehicles operated by mobile police.

Residents have repeatedly blamed the recurring attacks on the porous border routes around Baruten Local Government Area, alleging that armed groups frequently infiltrate communities using the difficult terrain and proximity to inter-state routes. Some residents have also accused security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated warnings over increasing bandit activities in surrounding villages.

The police command has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, adding that useful information from members of the public would assist security agencies in rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attack. CP Adekimi vowed that the command would not bow to threats, intimidation, or acts of terror orchestrated by bandits and criminal elements operating within any part of the state.