A federal high court in Abuja has granted Sani Malumfashi, chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), bail in the sum of N200 million over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct.
Malumfashi is facing trial alongside 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 on charges linked to an alleged N1 billion fraud.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the judge granted each defendant bail of N200 million, with two sureties in like sum. He noted that the offences were bailable and not capital in nature, and also took into account that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) did not oppose the bail applications.
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Justice Omotosho ordered that each surety must own property worth at least N100 million within the Federal Capital Territory, supported by an affidavit of means. The court also directed the 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 further ordered to deposit their international passports with the court registrar. Pending the perfection of their bail conditions, they are to remain at the Kuje correctional centre.
The case was 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. In a charge dated November 28 and filed on December 1, 2025, the commission alleged that the defendants conspired to take possession of N450 million through SLM Agro Global Farm accounts domiciled with Jaiz Bank, funds it described as proceeds of unlawful activity.
The charges were brought under provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge.
Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe
Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.
