UDUTH accountant jailed for diverting over N60m

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission  has secured the conviction  of

an accountant at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital,  Sokoto, Lukumanu Sani Waziri, for embezzling over N60m through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System.

Waziri was found guilty of corruption and abuse of office after using unauthorised access to GIFMIS to divert public funds into private accounts, including his own and that of accomplice, Monday Adejo.

A statement on Sunday by the ICPC’s spokesman, Demola Bakare said in 2021, Waziri was charged alongside two others in a nine-count fraud case before  Justice M. Abdulgafar of the Federal High Court in Sokoto.

He said during the trial, the ICPC prosecutor, Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha, presented evidence showing how Waziri altered financial records and facilitated the illegal transfer of government funds into private accounts.

“One of the charges detailed how Waziri and Adejo conspired to steal over N20m from GIFMIS and divert it into Adejo’s First Bank account. Waziri also changed bank account details for state taxes, redirecting funds meant for Kogi, Edo, Bauchi, and Zamfara States into Adejo’s account,” the statement added.

Bakare said on Friday, Justice Abdulgafar found Waziri guilty on seven of the nine charges.

“The court sentenced him to one year in prison or a fine of N200,000 for counts 1 and 2, one year in prison for counts 3, 4, and 5 without an option of fine, and three years in prison or a fine of N500,000 for counts 8 and 9. The sentences will run concurrently,” he added.

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