The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to Hon. Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, who is facing trial alongside Shehu Aliyu Fatange over alleged ₦26 million money laundering and vote buying.
Dawaki and Fatange were arraigned on September 10, 2025, by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Emeka Nwite on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and cash transactions exceeding the legal threshold.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were found in possession of ₦26 million suspected to have been earmarked for vote buying during the August 16, 2025, Chikun/Kajuru bye-election. The cash was reportedly recovered from a Toyota Corolla linked to Fatange, parked within a hotel premises in Kaduna.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. While prosecution counsel M.O. Arumemi pressed for their remand, defense lawyers applied for bail.
At the resumed hearing on September 15, 2025, Justice Nwite granted bail to Dawaki and Fatange on terms yet to be made public. The matter has been adjourned for continuation of trial.
The EFCC said Fatange, described as Director-General of Dawaki’s campaign organization, was arrested alongside her following credible intelligence.
📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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