Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar of the Kwara High Court, on Monday in Ilorin, fixed Dec. 3 for the commencement of the trial of the immediate-past governor of Kwara, Abdulfatah Ahmed.

Mr Ahmed is to be tried on a 15-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of N3 billion public fund.

The former governor, who was re-arraigned from the Federal High Court in Ilorin, is being charged with diverting Universal Basic Education (UBEC) funds for other purposes.

On Monday at the State High Court, Mr Ahmed and a former finance commissioner in the state, Demola Banu, were charged with alleged diversion and misappropriation of public funds.

The prosecution said the funds were meant for the execution of some projects and security of the state.

The duo pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N100 million each.

The presiding judge, therefore, adjourned till Dec 3 for the commencement of the trial.

Speaking with journalists, the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs, gave reasons for the fresh re-arraignment of the former governor and the Finance Commissioner.

He said this followed the case’s withdrawal on Wednesday from the Federal High Court, where they were formerly standing trial by the EFCC.

“This was sequel to the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, to another division,” he said.

(NAN)