Court Remands Kano Electoral Commission Chairman Over Alleged N1bn Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Sani Malumfashi, alongside two other officials, over alleged N1 billion money laundering offences.

Justice James Omotosho made the order after Malumfashi, the commission’s secretary Anas Muhammed Mustapha, and Ado Garba, a deputy director in the accounts department, pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The ICPC alleged that the defendants siphoned N450 million, N310 million and N260 million between November and December 2024.

According to the charge dated November 28, 2025 and filed on December 1, 2025, the trio allegedly conspired to take possession of N450 million through SLM Agro Global Farm accounts domiciled with Jaiz Bank, with the funds believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Following their arraignment, the prosecution requested a trial date, while the defence sought bail for the defendants. The court ruled that a formal bail application must be filed and adjourned the matter, ordering that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

In a subsequent ruling on the bail applications, Justice Omotosho granted each defendant bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum. The judge noted that the offences were bailable and that the ICPC did not oppose the applications.

He directed that each surety must own property valued at not less than N100 million within the Federal Capital Territory and submit an affidavit of means, evidence of tax payments for the past three years, recent passport photographs, and certified true copies of bank statements. The defendants were also ordered to deposit their international passports with the court registrar.

The court adjourned the case to March 4, 2026 for the commencement of trial, ordering that the defendants remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are fully perfected.