Court Orders Detention of Kano Electoral Commission Chairman Over N1bn Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the detention of the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, over an alleged N1 billion fraud case.

The court also ordered that two other senior officials of the commission be kept in custody. They are the KANSIEC Secretary, Anas Muhammed Mustapha, and a Deputy Director in the accounts department, Ado Garba.

The three officials were brought before Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday. They were charged with six counts of fraud and money laundering linked to public funds belonging to the electoral body.

The charges are connected to transactions said to have taken place between November and December 2024. Prosecutors told the court that the officials illegally took possession of N450 million, N310 million, and N260 million at different times within the period.

According to the allegations, the money was moved from KANSIEC bank accounts into accounts operated by a private company known as SLM Agro Global Farm. The transfers were reportedly carried out through Jaiz Bank.

The funds were described as proceeds of unlawful activity under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

When the charges were read to them, the three defendants pleaded not guilty to all accusations.

After their arraignment, the court ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre while their bail applications were considered.

On Wednesday, Justice Omotosho granted them bail. Each defendant was given bail in the sum of N200 million.

The court directed that each of them must provide two sureties of the same amount. The sureties must own property within the Federal Capital Territory valued at not less than N100 million.

They must also submit affidavits of means. Other requirements include proof of tax payment for the last three years, recent passport photographs, and certified bank statements.

The defendants were further ordered to deposit their international passports with the court registrar.

Although the prosecution did not oppose the bail request, the judge stressed that the accused persons would remain in custody until all bail conditions are fully met.

Justice Omotosho noted that the offences are bailable and not capital in nature. However, he warned that the court would strictly enforce compliance with the bail terms.

The case has been adjourned to March 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

However, the matter has drawn public attention because it involves an electoral institution responsible for conducting local government elections in Kano State.

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