KADUNA, Nigeria – Mansur Mashi, a former member of the House of Representatives, was convicted on charges of conspiracy and obtaining by pretense by Justice Sale Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Three bank officials – Abdulmumini Mustapha, Shehu Aliyu, and Muazu Abdu – were also found guilty in the case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had accused Mashi of using fake companies to secure a loan worth N212,439,552 from Sterling Bank, which he then diverted for personal use.
This led to his conviction on eight counts of fraud.
Despite initially pleading not guilty, the defendants were found culpable following a trial that lasted 12 years and saw multiple changes in the presiding judge due to retirements and elevations.
On June 15, 2023, Mashi and the fourth defendant were absent from court, but they were both issued a guilty verdict on all counts.
Their sentencing, however, has been deferred until they can be arrested and presented before the court.
Former Sterling Bank branch manager, Abdulmumin Mustapha, was convicted on 15 counts and sentenced to five years imprisonment per count, without the option of a fine.
Additionally, Mustapha was ordered to restitute Sterling Bank the sum of N40,000,000.
The former Head of Operation of the bank, Shehu Aliyu, was discharged on counts 1-8 but found guilty on counts 9 to 15.
He received a similar sentence to Mustapha – five years imprisonment on each count, without the option of a fine.
In a separate case of contempt of court, a judgement for Mashi is expected on June 16, 2023.
He is accused of selling properties that were seized from him by the court through an interim forfeiture order.
