By Aish Mahmoud, reporter
A Minna High Court has acquitted former Niger State House of Assembly lawmaker, Hon Abdulmalik Madaki, of corruption charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Justice Mikhail Abdullahi ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations, and the court finds him not guilty.
Madaki was accused of diverting constituency project funds to his personal account, but the court found the charges unsubstantiated. The EFCC had presented five witnesses, including a prosecution witness, but key witness Arch Abubakar Gwamna, who petitioned against Madaki, refused to testify.
Madaki’s defense team, led by Adamu Umar Esq. and Ishyaku Barau, had prayed for a “no case submission”, arguing the prosecution’s evidence was inconsistent. The court agreed, ruling that the EFCC failed to prove the allegations.
The case stemmed from a petition by Gwamna, who alleged Madaki collected millions in constituency allowances without executing projects. The court admitted documents as evidence but ultimately found them insufficient to convict Madaki.
Madaki’s acquittal marks a significant development in the case, which has lasted two years. The EFCC’s failure to secure a conviction raises questions about the strength of its case.
The court has yet to release the full judgment, and it’s unclear if the EFCC will appeal. Madaki’s acquittal brings an end to a long legal battle, and he can now move on from the ordeal.
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