A federal high court in Abuja has granted bail to Sani Malumfashi, chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), alongside two other officials, over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct.
Malumfashi is facing trial with Anas Muhammed Mustapha, KANSIEC secretary, and Ado Garba, a deputy director in the commission’s accounts department. The trio were arraigned on Tuesday before Justice James Omotosho over an alleged N1 billion fraud.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho granted each defendant bail of N200 million with two sureties in a like sum. The judge noted that the offences were bailable and not capital in nature and observed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) did not oppose the bail applications.
The court ordered that each surety must own property valued at a minimum of N100 million within the Federal Capital Territory, supported by an affidavit of means. Additional requirements include submission of evidence of tax payments for the past three years, recent passport photographs, and certified bank statements for both the defendants and their sureties.
The defendants were also instructed to deposit their international passports with the court registrar. Pending compliance with the bail conditions, they are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to March 4 for the commencement of trial.
According to the ICPC, the defendants allegedly siphoned N450 million, N310 million, and N260 million between November and December 2024. The commission’s charge, filed on December 1, 2025, states that the trio conspired to take possession of N450 million through SLM Agro Global Farm accounts domiciled with Jaiz Bank, describing the funds as proceeds of unlawful activity.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge, which was brought under provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
