Court Jails Businessman for N2m Contract Scam in Maiduguri

Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, convicted and sentenced Babagana Kansulum to six months imprisonment for criminal misappropriation in a contract scam. Kansulum was found guilty of dishonestly converting N2,650,000.00 (Two Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) that was meant for the renovation of an office at the Government House in Damaturu.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Maiduguri Zonal Directorate, arraigned Kansulum on a one-count charge for the crime, which occurred in 2020. According to the charge, Kansulum received the funds from Nafiu Mohammed Ibrahim for the renovation project but failed to either return the money or complete the work.

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded guilty. The prosecution, led by Faruk Muhammad, asked the court to convict and sentence Kansulum as per the law, while the defense counsel, A.A. Yaro, requested the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Kumaliya sentenced Kansulum to six months in prison, but with an option of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.