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Zamfara UBEC Chairman Convicted for Graft

Murtala Adamu, executive chairman, Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, was on Friday, May 12, convicted and sentenced to six months in prison by Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Gusau, Zamfara State, for engaging in private business while in public service.

The convict’s journey to prison started when the EFCC received a petition from one Abdullahi Nakura who alleged that the convict refused to pay him and other contractors for jobs executed for the board.

Upon receipt of the petition, the commission swung into action and its investigation revealed that, apart from non-payment for contracts, the convict was also in the habit of collecting kickbacks from contractors. It was further discovered that he awarded contracts to his own company.

In her judgment, Justice Zainab discharged and acquitted the convict on the 10-count corruption charge brought against him by the EFCC but found him guilty of the offence of engaging in private business while still in public service. Accordingly, the convict was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 only.

The convict was a two-term House of Assembly member in Zamfara State between 2003 and 2011 after which he was appointed chairman of the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board where he is now serving his second term.

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