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Diversion of public funds

Jun 11, 2026

FRN vs Augustine Olowoniyan (Former Deputy Director of Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing) & 1 other

Humans

Augustine Olowoniyan
& 1 other

Money bag

N1,936,961,649.00
Amount allegedly diverted

Money bag

Case Summary
The 1st accused, whilst serving as Deputy Director Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and Project Coordinator for the acquisition of titles for Federal Roads, and 2nd accused, whilst serving as Surveyor of the Department of Highways and Planning, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, allegedly used their offices to confer corrupt advantage upon themselves by putting to their own use the said sum despite being funds budgeted for the acquisition of titles for Federal Roads Nationwide, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Calendar

449
Day(s) since arraignment

Gavel

Case Update
The prosecution witness told the court that the defendant had four accounts with the Zenith Bank and tendered documents based on a request from the EFCC, which were admitted as evidence.

Court house

Hon. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie
FCT High Court, Apo, Abuja

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - violated

Case Information
Augustine Olowoniyan & 1 other
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, FCT High Court, Apo, Abuja
Nature and Number of Charges
3-count charge bordering on alleged diversion and misappropriation of public funds.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Mar 19, 2025
Summary of Case
The 1st accused, whilst serving as Deputy Director Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and Project Coordinator for the acquisition of titles for Federal Roads, and 2nd accused, whilst serving as Surveyor of the Department of Highways and Planning, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, allegedly used their offices to confer corrupt advantage upon themselves by putting to their own use the said sum despite being funds budgeted for the acquisition of titles for Federal Roads Nationwide, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Augustine Olowoniyan (Former Deputy Director of Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing) – Not guilty
2. Sulaiman Muhammed (Surveyor of the Department of Highways and Planning) – Not guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. J. K. Kolawole (Lawyer)
2. A. S. U. Garba (Lawyer)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. Abba Muhammed, SAN (Lawyer)
Status of Case
On Trial
Stage of Trial
Prosecution Stage
Length of Trial
449 day(s)
Case Update
The prosecution witness told the court that the defendant had four accounts with the Zenith Bank and tendered documents based on a request from the EFCC, which were admitted as evidence.
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Violated