The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Bature Masari, a former Director at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has a case to answer in the alleged N119 million fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Obiora Egwuatu , in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, dismissed Masari’s “no-case submission,” clearing the way for him to enter his defence against a 22-count amended charge bordering on money laundering and corruption amounting to N119,507,080.
The EFCC is prosecuting Masari over allegations that he engaged in financial misconduct during his time at the agency.
The anti-graft commission had concluded its case after calling a witness and tendering documentary evidence to substantiate the charges.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Masari filed a no-case submission, urging the court to discharge and acquit him on the grounds that the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case linking him to the alleged offences.
However, the prosecution opposed the application and formally adopted its response on January 13, 2026, arguing that the evidence presented before the court was sufficient to require the defendant to open his defence.
In his ruling, Egwuatu held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the former SMEDAN director, warranting him to respond to the allegations.
The court consequently dismissed the no-case submission and directed Masari to proceed with his defence.
According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC on Thursday, the matter was adjourned to February 23, 2026, for the defendant to commence his defence.
