By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Borno State High Court in Maiduguri has convicted and sentenced two individuals over the fraudulent diversion of ₦14.8 million meant for the supply of food commodities and beef.
Justice B.T. Zannah, who presided over the case on Monday, found Babagana Bukar and Hauwa Chabri guilty after they pleaded guilty to separate one-count charges of criminal misappropriation filed by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Bukar dishonestly diverted ₦8.8 million entrusted to him for the purchase and supply of 100 bags of IRS flour and 50 bags of BUA sugar, converting the money to personal use instead of executing the contract.
The court sentenced him to one year imprisonment, with an option of a ₦100,000 fine, after his counsel informed the court that he had fully refunded the complainant.
In a separate case, Chabri admitted misappropriating ₦6 million received for the supply of beef to a customer.
Justice Zannah ordered her to refund the entire ₦6 million to the victim or, in default, serve two years imprisonment.
The prosecution, led by A.D. Abdulmalik, urged the court to convict the defendants based on their guilty pleas, while the defence appealed for leniency.
The EFCC said the convictions underscore its continued efforts to clamp down on financial crimes and ensure that offenders are held accountable for diverting funds entrusted to them for legitimate business transactions.
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