The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Abubakar Garba Dandare, the former Registrar of Upper Sharia Court 1 Gusau, Zamfara state, on a two-count charge for allegedly stealing the sum of N3,837,634. The arraignment before Justice Bello Muhammad Shinkafi of the Zamfara State High Court follows an allegation that Dandare misappropriated retention fee meant for the family of late Alhaji Ladan Mada, a contractor to the Zamfara state government.
The issue arose when the family heirs of late Alhaji Mada inquired about the retention money, which Dandare claimed not to know about. A committee investigation later revealed that a UBA cheque, countersigned by Judge Almustapha Balarabe and Dandare, was withdrawn by a court clerk and given to Dandare. It was further discovered that Dandare's signature was forged on documents related to the transaction.
Dandare was charged with criminal breach of trust, as he allegedly misappropriated the funds to his personal use. The defence counsel argued that the charge was defective, but the prosecution cited Court of Appeal decisions and the ACJA 2015 in countering this claim.
Justice Shinkafi granted Dandare bail with two sureties in the sum of N5 million each. One surety must deposit a Certificate of Landed Property within Gusau Metropolis, and both sureties must submit their passport photographs to the court. Dandare was remanded in the Nigeria Correctional Services pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions. The trial is scheduled to commence on 6th June 2024.
