MAIDUGURI — The Borno State High Court has sentenced Shehu Saleh to two years imprisonment for the criminal misappropriation of N22 million intended for an international organizational contract.
Presiding Judge, Justice Aisha Kumaliya, handed down the verdict in Maiduguri following Saleh’s “guilty” plea to a one-count charge of fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Diversion of Funds
The court heard that in 2024, Saleh received the sum of N22 million from one Zara Betra Aliyu. The funds were specifically earmarked for the execution of a contract tied to an unidentified international organization.
However, instead of utilizing the capital for the project, Saleh diverted the entire sum into his personal accounts held with GT Bank and First Bank. Following a petition and subsequent investigation by the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate, it was established that the defendant converted the money for his private benefit.
The Judgment
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Mukhtar Ali Ahmed urged the court to sentence the defendant based on his admission of guilt.
Justice Kumaliya found Saleh guilty of violating Section 296 of the Penal Code Law of Borno State. In her judgment, she sentenced him to two years in a correctional facility.
However, the judge provided an option of a N100,000 fine. The court further ruled that should the convict fail to pay the fine, he must serve an additional six months in prison.
The EFCC has continued to warn the public against the misuse of project funds, noting that the diversion of contract capital remains a significant bottleneck for developmental projects in the North-East region.
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