Kano businessman Alkasim Musa has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal High Court in Kano over allegations of criminal misappropriation amounting to ₦34.8 million in a suspected spaghetti fraud scheme.
Musa pleaded not guilty to the sole charge, which accuses him of diverting funds intended for a commodity supply deal. The arraignment, which took place on Thursday, October 16, 2026, marks another significant step in the EFCC’s ongoing campaign against financial malfeasance in the business sector.
Justice S.M. Liman, presiding over the case, granted Musa bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties, despite strong opposition from the anti-graft agency. The alleged fraud centres on Musa receiving a substantial sum from a client for the supply of spaghetti but failing to deliver the goods and purportedly converting the money for personal use.
Details of the Allegation and Court Proceedings
According to the EFCC, Alkasim Musa is alleged to have received the sum of ₦34,875,000 from Aisha Tahir for the supply of spaghetti. The prosecution’s charge details how Musa allegedly failed to supply the agreed-upon quantity of the commodity and instead diverted the funds, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under the same section.
During the court session, the EFCC’s counsel, M.T. Iko, strenuously opposed the bail application filed by Musa’s defence counsel, M. B. Umar. Iko argued that the defendant, if granted bail, might abscond and impede the judicial process, urging the court to consider the gravity of the alleged crime and the need to ensure Musa’s presence throughout the trial.
However, Umar countered, asserting that his client was presumed innocent until proven guilty and that bail was a constitutional right. He assured the court that Musa would comply with all bail conditions and be available for his trial dates. After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Liman decided to grant bail, setting conditions designed to ensure Musa’s appearance.
The bail conditions stipulated that Musa must provide two sureties in like sum. One surety must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 12, while the other must be a reputable individual residing within the court’s jurisdiction and possessing a verifiable means of livelihood. Both sureties are required to deposit two recent passport photographs and an affidavit of means with the court. Furthermore, the defendant was ordered to deposit his international passport with the court registrar.
Musa was remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions. The case highlights the persistent challenges of financial fraud and criminal misappropriation within Nigeria’s commercial landscape, issues that the EFCC has consistently committed to addressing to foster a more transparent and accountable business environment.
The anti-graft agency has intensified its efforts in recent years to prosecute individuals involved in various forms of economic sabotage, with a particular focus on northern Nigeria, where such cases involving commodity trading and investment schemes have been increasingly reported. This specific case serves as a reminder to businesses and individuals alike to exercise extreme caution and due diligence when engaging in large-scale transactions.
The trial has been adjourned until November 10, 2026, for the commencement of trial, when the prosecution is expected to present its witnesses and evidence against Alkasim Musa.
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