The former Kwara State Accountant General backed up ex-governor Abdulfatah Ahmed in court Friday. Mr. Suleiman Ishola testified that the administration borrowed N1 billion to help pay government workers and pensioners. This directly contradicts allegations that money went into personal pockets. Ahmed and his finance commissioner, Ademola Banu, face charges of diverting N5.78 billion from education funds.
Ishola appeared as the fifth witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. His testimony echoed what SUBEB's former Chairman, Alhaji Lanre Daibu, told the court on Thursday. Both officials confirmed the loan went toward staff salaries and pension arrears. Daibu had already stated that neither Ahmed nor Banu could sign SUBEB accounts.
The ex-Accountant General explained that as part of his job, he needed the governor's approval before making payments. He received a letter about the N1 billion transfer from SUBEB to the salary account in 2014. The money wasn't enough to cover all salary obligations, leaving a N700 million shortfall. Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar scheduled the next court date for June 2025.
Ishola appeared as the fifth witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. His testimony echoed what SUBEB's former Chairman, Alhaji Lanre Daibu, told the court on Thursday. Both officials confirmed the loan went toward staff salaries and pension arrears. Daibu had already stated that neither Ahmed nor Banu could sign SUBEB accounts.
The ex-Accountant General explained that as part of his job, he needed the governor's approval before making payments. He received a letter about the N1 billion transfer from SUBEB to the salary account in 2014. The money wasn't enough to cover all salary obligations, leaving a N700 million shortfall. Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar scheduled the next court date for June 2025.
