Muhammed Sani Nuhu, a former academic staff member of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic in Kebbi State, has been sentenced to five years after being found guilty of misappropriating over N6 million of the polytechnic.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) secured his conviction in a case brought before Hon. Justice Hassan Usman of the Kebbi State High Court, Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division.
According to a statement by the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, Nuhu was convicted on four counts, involving the conversion of funds for personal use. The Commission alleged that Nuhu took advantage of his position to convert the sums of “two million Naira (N2,000,000:00) in 2015 and four million, one hundred and seventy-three thousand, four hundred Naira (N4,173,400:00) in 2016” to himself.
Investigations revealed that Nuhu, who had been dismissed from his position at the polytechnic, received the funds under a special grant intended for his participation in an international conference in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, and as an initial payment for his Doctor of Philosophy program at the University of Technology Malaysia. However, he failed to embark on the intended program and instead diverted the money for personal use.
During the two-year trial with charge No. KB/HC/4C/2020, the ICPC counsel, Mashkur Salisu, presented evidence to the court, demonstrating Nuhu’s refusal to fulfill the funds’ purpose and subsequent conversion of the money, which constituted a corrupt practice. Nuhu’s actions were in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, as well as Section 311 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code Law (Cap 89) Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963.
The trial judge found Nuhu guilty on counts one to three and dismissed count four. Justice Usman sentenced him to five years imprisonment on each of the three counts. Furthermore, the court ordered Nuhu to make restitution of the sum of N6.5 million, which represented the proceeds of the crime, to the Federal Government. The sentences will run concurrently.
The conviction and sentencing of Muhammed Sani Nuhu serve as a strong message against corruption and embezzlement of public funds. The ICPC’s diligent investigation and successful prosecution demonstrate the commitment to accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s educational institutions.
