Yahaya was found guilty of diverting part of the N19 million he received from the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Yobe State, for the purchase of an official vehicle, a 2015 Toyota Corolla, to his personal use.
The one-count charge against him stated that he received the money in his personal account, account number 1001480930 with account name Alhaji Yahaya Idris, domiciled in United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) from the Local Government Audit Account Number 5030030060 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc.
Yahaya had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the EFCC presented four witnesses and documents as evidence during the trial. In his judgment, Justice Lawan held that the prosecution had proved the case against the defendant and convicted him as charged.
The Judge sentenced him to five years imprisonment with an option of fine and ordered him to pay the sum of N10,100,000.00 in restitution to the Yobe State Government through the EFCC or serve an additional two years in prison.
The EFCC had accused Yahaya of receiving funds from the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Yobe State, for the purchase of an official vehicle and diverting part of the money to his personal use. The commission had investigated the matter and discovered that Yahaya had transferred the sum of N10,100,000.00 from the account of the office to his personal account.
Reacting to the judgment, the EFCC commended the court for the ruling, saying it sends a strong message to public officials that the commission will not tolerate the diversion of public funds. The commission urged the public to continue to support its efforts in the fight against corruption and economic crimes in the country.
The conviction of Yahaya comes as part of the EFCC's efforts to crack down on corruption and economic crimes in Nigeria. The commission has been working to investigate and prosecute public officials and private individuals involved in fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes. The EFCC has also been working with international partners to recover stolen funds and assets that have been taken out of the country.
The commission has called on Nigerians to support its efforts by reporting cases of economic crimes and corruption to the appropriate authorities. It has also urged public officials to be transparent and accountable in the management of public funds, warning that those who divert public funds for personal use will be brought to justice.
The EFCC has pledged to continue its efforts to fight corruption and economic crimes in Nigeria, saying it will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to recover stolen funds and assets and bring those involved in economic crimes to justice.
The commission has called on all Nigerians to join hands with it in the fight against corruption and economic crimes, saying that only through collective efforts can the scourge of corruption be defeated and Nigeria's future secured.