Nigerians React As Ex-Jigawa Lawmaker Sentenced To Prison Over ₦5 Million Fraud Scandal

A former member of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Shu’ibu Kashim Dila, has been convicted and sentenced for conspiracy, breach of trust, and cheating, following a six-month trial at the Chief Magistrate Court II, Dutse.

Dila, a native of Malam Madori Local Government Area, was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Ibrahim Aliyu after the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (JSPCACC) prosecuted him on multiple charges.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Yusuf Suleiman, the case stemmed from a petition filed on February 17, 2025, by Aisha Yusuf of Hadejia Local Government, who accused Dila and his wife of defrauding her of ₦5 million under the pretext of a short-term loan agreement.

The complainant alleged that Dila promised to repay the money within a month but later sent his wife to an undisclosed location to avoid fulfilling the agreement.

Investigations by the Commission revealed that the former lawmaker had indeed received the funds and acted with clear intent to defraud. He subsequently confessed to the offence during interrogation.

Prosecutors led by Barrister Zubairu Haladu presented three witnesses and two exhibits to prove their case, while the defence called two witnesses but provided no documentary evidence.

In his ruling, Magistrate Aliyu declared that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting Dila on all counts.

He was sentenced to a series of fines and custodial terms:

• ₦50,000 or three months imprisonment for breach of trust,

• ₦50,000 or three months imprisonment for cheating, and

• ₦30,000 or two months imprisonment for conspiracy.

In addition, the court ordered him to refund the ₦5 million to the complainant or face five years imprisonment, and to pay ₦250,000 as prosecution costs or serve an additional four months behind bars in default.

All sentences are to run consecutively, meaning Dila faces a lengthy jail term if he fails to meet the court’s financial directives.

Reacting to the judgment, the Jigawa Anti-Corruption Commission hailed the verdict as a milestone in its campaign against fraud and abuse of office, stressing that the conviction proves that no individual, regardless of political status, is above the law.

The Commission further reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing similar cases to ensure accountability and protect the interests of Jigawa citizens.