Local Government Boss, Finance Director Jailed for N54 Million Contract Fraud in Kebbi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of two top officials of Sakaba Local Government Area in Kebbi State for contract fraud, abuse of office, and financial misconduct totaling N54 million. 

The convicted officials are Mr. Abubakar Bawa Makuku, the Sole Administrator and Caretaker Chairman, and Mr. Ahmed Abdullahi Fakai, the Director of Finance and Supply.

Justice E. Gakko of the Federal High Court in Birnin-Kebbi found both men guilty on multiple counts after a trial where the prosecution presented evidence of their corruption.

Mr. Fakai, the Director of Finance, was proven to have unlawfully withdrawn N54 million from the Local Government’s bank account in six tranches of N9 million each. This financial maneuver was identified as a deliberate attempt to evade mandatory financial reporting protocols, an offense under the Money Laundering Act. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of N2.5 million.

Mr. Makuku, the Sole Administrator, was found guilty of using his office to confer corrupt advantage upon himself. Specifically, he was convicted for corruptly awarding contracts without following due process and personally diverting N10 million meant for official local government activities. Makuku received a four-year jail term or a fine of N1 million as compensation to Sakaba Local Government, in addition to another N1.5 million fine.

The judgment, delivered on Friday, October 10, 2025, underscores the ICPC’s resolve to ensure that public officers who betray the trust of their offices for personal gain are brought to justice in accordance with the law.