The ongoing trial of former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, has revealed allegations that N5.78 billion meant for basic education was diverted to other purposes, including salaries, loan repayments, and road projects.

The disclosure was made on Monday by Stanley Ujilibo, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who testified as the sixth prosecution witness.

Ujilibo told the court that funds released to the Kwara State Government for 2013, 2014, and 2015 under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grant scheme were not utilised in line with the action plans submitted by the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

According to him, SUBEB had presented detailed proposals outlining educational projects across the state, backed by evidence of counterpart funding, to secure the grants for primary and junior secondary schools.

"However, the money wasn't used for that purpose as it was moved from the UBEC matching grant accounts into the Kwara State Government's central account domiciled in a commercial bank," the witness stated.

He further alleged that part of the funds was expended on projects such as the reconstruction of Omosebi Bridge, Coca-Cola Road Bridge, Michael Imodu/Afon Junction Road, Lafiaji Township Road, and the rehabilitation of the Ilorin water supply network projects he said were unrelated to basic education.

The investigator also told the court that N952,297,297.30, representing the 2014 UBEC fund, was used for principal loan repayment. Additionally, he claimed that a request allegedly signed by Banu sought approval for a N1 billion loan from SUBEB counterpart funds to supplement workers' salaries.

Ujilibo maintained that the funds intended to improve school infrastructure and learning conditions were deployed outside their statutory mandate and did not directly benefit pupils.

Following the testimony, Justice Abdulgafar adjourned the case to April 20, 2026, for continuation of trial.