Court Jails Two Over N14.8 Million Fraud in Maiduguri

Justice B.T. Zannah of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri has convicted and sentenced Babagana Bukar and Hauwa Chabri for separate cases of criminal misappropriation involving a total of ₦14.8 million.

The duo were arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate one count charges bordering on criminal misappropriation. They both pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.

According to the EFCC, Bukar fraudulently converted ₦8.8 million entrusted to him for the supply of 100 bags of IRS flour and 50 bags of BUA sugar belonging to Bunu Gambo Liman. Chabri, on her part, diverted ₦6 million paid by Mohammed Samaila Yakubu for the supply of beef.

During the proceedings, prosecution counsel, A.D. Abdulmalik, urged the court to convict the defendants based on their guilty pleas. Counsel to Bukar pleaded for leniency, informing the court that his client had fully refunded the complainant, while Chabri also appealed for mercy and promised to refund the money.

In his judgment, Justice Zannah sentenced Bukar to one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦100,000 fine after considering that he had made full restitution. Chabri was ordered to refund the ₦6 million to the complainant or serve two years imprisonment if she fails to restitute the money.

The EFCC said Bukar’s prosecution stemmed from his diversion of funds meant for the supply of food items, while Chabri converted money meant for the supply of beef to personal use. The anti graft agency reiterated its commitment to prosecuting economic and financial crimes and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.