ICPC has secured the conviction of Sokoto Rima River Basin Director for corruption.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Rabiu Musa Matazu, Director of Administration at the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), for diverting public funds for personal use.
Matazu was arraigned before Justice Abbas Bawule of the Katsina State High Court in Suit No. KTH/7C/2022 on a four-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
ALSO: FG Issues Fresh Flood Warning for Lagos, Adamawa, and 12 Other States (FULL LIST)
How the Offence Was Committed
According to ICPC prosecutor Ibrahim Garba, the convict received ₦305,000 from his subordinate, Lawal Dan Sarki, being rent proceeds from SRRBDA properties in Katsina State. Instead of remitting the funds into the agency’s account, Matazu misappropriated the money for his personal benefit.
One of the charges read:
“That you, Rabiu Musa Matazu, sometime in October 2014 or thereabout within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your position as Director of Administration, Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, to confer unfair advantage upon yourself by receiving the total sum of ₦305,000 proceeds from rent collected on behalf of your agency, which you converted to your personal use, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
Matazu pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial that lasted three years.
Court Ruling
Delivering judgment, Justice Bawule found Matazu guilty on all four counts and convicted him accordingly.
The court sentenced him to:
Six months’ imprisonment or a ₦20,000 fine on counts 1, 2, and 3, and
Five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine on count 4.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
ICPC’s Stand
The conviction, ICPC said, reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that public office is not used for personal gain and that offenders face the full weight of the law.
