₦34.8m spaghetti deal lands Kano businessman in court as EFCC alleges diversion of funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Kano businessman, Abdulmajid Halifa Nazifi, over the alleged misappropriation of ₦34.875m meant for the purchase of spaghetti from BUA Foods.

The defendant appeared before Justice Musa Karaye of the Kano State High Court on a one-count charge of criminal misappropriation.

According to the charge, the alleged offence occurred between September and October 2024 in Kano State.

The EFCC alleged that the money belonged to Fahad Balarabe Adaji and was transferred, on the defendant’s instructions, into a First Bank account belonging to Muazu Abdullahi for the purchase of IRS Spaghetti from BUA.

However, the commission accused the businessman of diverting the funds for personal use instead of executing the intended transaction.

The alleged offence contravenes Section 308 of the Penal Code Law of Kano State and is punishable under Section 309 of the same law.

When the charge was read to him, Nazifi pleaded not guilty.

Following the plea, prosecution counsel, Mustapha Maiwada, requested a trial date and an order for the defendant’s remand in a correctional facility.

Justice Karaye granted the application and ordered the defendant’s remand pending further proceedings. The court fixed November 2, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.

The case underscores the importance of contractual accountability, proper utilisation of entrusted funds and the legal consequences of alleged financial misappropriation.

The allegations remain unproven, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.