Maiduguri Court Sentences Two for N14.8m Misappropriation

​A Borno State High Court, presided over by Justice B.T. Zannah, has handed down sentences to two individuals following their conviction for criminal misappropriation involving a total of N14.8 million. The judgment was delivered in Maiduguri on Monday, July 13, 2026, following their prosecution by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

​The convicts, Babagana Bukar and Hauwa Chabri, were arraigned on separate one-count charges related to the diversion of funds intended for business supplies.

​Case Details

​The court heard that in 2025, Babagana Bukar received N8,800,000 intended for the supply of 100 bags of IRS flour and 50 bags of BUA sugar for one Bunu Gambo Liman. Instead of fulfilling the order, Bukar converted the funds to his personal use.

​In a separate matter, Hauwa Chabri was found guilty of misappropriating N6,000,000 entrusted to her by Mohammed Samaila Yakubu for the supply of beef.

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​Both defendants entered guilty pleas when the charges were read. Following the pleas, EFCC prosecution counsel A.D. Abdulmalik urged the court to convict the defendants according to the provisions of the Penal Code.

​Sentencing and Restitution

​During the proceedings, legal representatives for the defendants sought leniency from the court. Counsel to the first defendant, S. Mustapha, informed the court that Bukar had already made full restitution to the petitioner and requested an option of a fine. Chabri, representing herself, expressed remorse and committed to settling the debt owed to her petitioner.

​Justice Zannah’s ruling reflected the distinct circumstances of each case:

• ​Babagana Bukar: Sentenced to one year imprisonment, with the option of a N100,000 fine.
• ​Hauwa Chabri: Ordered to make full restitution of N6,000,000 to the petitioner. In the event of default regarding this payment, she faces a two-year prison sentence.

​This sentencing serves as the conclusion to the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC regarding these specific instances of financial malfeasance in Maiduguri.