“Settled Creditor With N4.18m, Diverted Remaining N9.82m” — EFCC Arraigns Gombe High Court Chief Bailiff For Criminal Breach Of Trust

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Chief Bailiff of the Gombe State High Court of Justice, Usman Zakari, before Justice Haruna H. Kereng of Gombe State High Court 3 over an alleged fraudulent conversion of funds totaling N9.82 million.

Zakari was arraigned on July 2, 2025, by the EFCC’s Gombe Zonal Directorate on a one-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and fraudulent conversion.

According to the EFCC, the defendant was, in October 2023, entrusted with the auctioning of property pursuant to judgment enforcement in suit number GM/329M/2023. The property was auctioned for N14 million while Zakari was serving as Chief Bailiff.

The EFCC said after settling the judgment creditor, Ahmed Umaru, with the sum of N4.18 million, Zakari dishonestly converted the remaining balance of N9.82 million, which was meant to be remitted to the judgment debtor.

Part of the EFCC’s charge reads:
“Usman Zakari dishonestly converted the sum of N9,820,000.00 being the remaining balance from the auction, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 308 and 309 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.”

Zakari pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel, M. O. Tijani, requested a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.

In response, defence counsel, Yusuf A. Aliyu, filed a motion for the bail of his client.

Justice Kereng, after listening to the submissions of both counsels, granted Zakari bail on self-recognisance, citing his status as a court staff. The matter was adjourned to July 30, 2025, for commencement of trial.