Babangida Aliyu to Know Fate as Court Rules on ₦1.5bn Fraud Case

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Justice Akintunde Savage of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has scheduled a date to rule on the ₦1.5 billion fraud charges against former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu. 

The case, brought by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), centers on the alleged diversion of ecological funds.

The prosecution closed its case after calling several witnesses who testified about the movement of funds from the state’s accounts during Aliyu’s administration.

These witnesses provided documents and bank statements intended to prove that the money was misappropriated rather than used for its intended environmental purposes.

In response, the former governor’s legal team filed a “no-case submission,” arguing that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against their client.

They maintained that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant a formal defense or a conviction.

The EFCC’s legal counsel countered the submission, insisting that the evidence linking the former governor to the missing ₦1.5 billion is substantial. They urged the court to dismiss the defendant’s application and order him to open his defense to explain the discrepancies.

The legal battle has spanned several years, marked by multiple adjournments and challenges to the court’s jurisdiction.

This upcoming ruling is a pivotal moment that will determine if the trial continues or if the charges against Aliyu are dropped.

Justice Savage, after hearing arguments from both parties, adjourned the matter for a definitive ruling. The court’s decision will be closely watched as a significant development in the government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign targeting high-profile public officials.