The fight against corruption in Nigeria recorded another victory as the High Court sitting in Katsina has sentenced Mr. Rabiu Musa Matazu, Director of Administration at the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), to six years imprisonment for diverting government funds for personal use.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed the conviction in a statement on Wednesday through its spokesperson, Demola Bakare.
According to the ICPC, Matazu had in 2014 received ₦305,000 as rent from government-owned properties in Katsina through a subordinate but failed to remit the funds into the agency’s official account. His actions, the Commission said, violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Following a three-year trial, Justice Abbas Bawule of the Katsina High Court found Matazu guilty on all four counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
Delivering judgment, the court ruled:
- Six months imprisonment or ₦20,000 fine each on counts 1, 2, and 3.
- Five years imprisonment without option of fine on the fourth count.
The sentences will run concurrently, sealing the director’s fate.
Speaking on the outcome, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare described the ruling as proof of the Commission’s determination to hold public officers accountable and deter abuse of power for personal gain.
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