On March 19, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned four individuals before Justice Muhammad Maina of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri over allegations of a N50 million fraud.
The defendants, Mohammed Kolo Nuhu, Babagana Maru, Ahmadu Sale, and Alhaji Mala Gana, faced separate charges of criminal misappropriation and breach of trust, totaling N50,030,000.
Specifically, Nuhu was accused of misappropriating N18,900,000 entrusted to him by a non-governmental organization, Action Against Hunger, intended for one Mohammad Baba Shettima. Maru allegedly misappropriated N8,500,000 given by Imam Manu Dauda as an advance payment for the purchase of tricycles.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to their respective charges. The prosecution requested trial dates and the remand of the defendants in a correctional facility. Maru’s counsel applied orally for his client’s bail, which was granted by Justice Maina in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties of the same amount, one of whom must be a blood relative or a traditional titleholder. The trial is scheduled to commence on April 26, 2025, and all defendants have been remanded in the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Center pending trial.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to combat financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region. The involvement of individuals entrusted with significant sums, allegedly diverting funds meant for humanitarian aid and business investments, underscores the challenges faced in ensuring accountability and transparency. The outcome of this trial may serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the rule of law in financial dealings.
