A 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 in prison for diverting public funds to his personal use.
The spokesperson of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Demola Bakare who disclosed the conviction in a statement on Wednesday, said Matazu was arraigned on a four-count charge of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
According to the Commission, Matazu collected ₦305,000 as rent from government properties in Katsina in 2014 through a subordinate but failed to pay the money into the agency’s account. An act which violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
After a three-year trial, Justice Abbas Bawule found Matazu guilty on all counts. “The court consequently sentenced him to six months imprisonment or an option of ₦20,000 fine on counts 1,2, and 3, and five years imprisonment without an option of fine on the fourth count. The sentences are to run concurrently.” The statement revealed.
ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said the conviction reflects the Commission’s resolve to hold public officers accountable and prevent the abuse of government positions for personal gain.
