A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Prof. Sani Malumfashi, Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), along with two other officials, at Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of N1 billion fraud and money laundering.
The trio, Malumfashi, KANSIEC Secretary Anas Muhammed Mustapha, and Ado Garba (Deputy Director in the accounts department) were arraigned on Tuesday before Justice James Omotosho on a six-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
They pleaded not guilty to the accusations, which include unlawfully taking possession of N450 million, N310 million, and N260 million between November and December 2024.
The funds were allegedly transferred from KANSIEC accounts to SLM Agro Global Farm through Jaiz Bank accounts, claimed to be proceeds of unlawful activities under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Following their arraignment, the court initially remanded them in custody pending the hearing of bail applications. On Wednesday, Justice Omotosho granted each defendant bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must own property valued at least N100 million in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), provide affidavits of means, evidence of tax payments for the past three years, recent passport photographs, and certified bank statements.
The defendants are also required to deposit their international passports with the court registrar.
The ICPC raised no objection to the bail requests, and the judge noted that the offences are bailable and non-capital. However, the defendants will remain in custody until all bail conditions are fully met.
The case, which centres on the alleged siphoning of public funds from the state electoral body, has been adjourned to March 4, 2026, for trial commencement.
The development shows intensified anti-corruption scrutiny of public institutions and electoral bodies, as Nigeria continues its push to curb financial misconduct in governance.
The matter has generated significant public interest amid broader concerns over transparency in state resources.
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