The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has secured the conviction of Mr. Rabiu Musa Matazu, Director of Administration of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, for corruptly converting public funds to personal use.

Matazu was arraigned before Honourable Justice Abbas Bawule of the Katsina State High Court on a four-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.

According to ICPC Prosecutor Mr. Ibrahim Garba, Matazu received ₦305,000 from his subordinate, Mr. Lawal Dan Sarki, being rent proceeds from properties belonging to SRRBDA in Katsina State. Instead of remitting the money into the agency’s account, Matazu misappropriated it for his personal benefit.

One of the charges against him read, “That you, Rabiu Musa Matazu (m), sometimes in October 2014 or thereabout within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, used your position as Director of Administration, Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, to confer unfair advantage upon yourself by receiving the total sum of ₦305,000 proceeds from rent collected on behalf of your agency, which you converted to your personal use and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

Matazu pleaded not guilty to all the counts, and the case proceeded to a full trial that lasted three years. Justice Bawule found Matazu guilty of all counts and pronounced him convicted accordingly.

The court 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 will run concurrently.

The conviction highlights ICPC’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring that public office is not used for personal gain. The Commission’s resolve to fight corruption and promote accountability in government agencies is underscored by this judgment.