Former Adamawa Commissioner Of Finance Jailed For 10 Years

A former Commissioner for Finance and Local Government and
Chieftaincy Affairs in Adamawa state during Boni Haruna’s administration, John
Elias has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without option of fine by a
Federal High Court sitting in Yola.

The judge on Friday also ordered the Corporate Affairs
Commission to shut down his company, ALHAKIM NIGERIA LIMITED as well as pay the
state sum of N51.5 million which he stole while he held sway in office.

The presiding judge who delivered the judgement under
section 3 (2) of the miscellaneous act said the judgement will serve as a
deterrent to occupiers of public office who may want to filter resources meant
for developmental projects. Continue…

“I hereby sentenced the first accused, John Babani Elias for
10 years imprisonment on count 3 and another 10 years imprisonment on count 4
but the two sentences will run concurrently.

“In addition, the first convict must return/refund the sum
of N51.5 million to Adamawa state local Government joint account fund from
where it was stolen and diverted by him and his Coy.

“With regards to the second convict ALHAKIM NIGERIA LIMITED,
I sentenced it to pay a fine of N5 million on the offenses in count 3 and 4 it
is convicted of. In addition, the company would wound up by Corporate Affairs
Commission as provided by section 3(2) of the miscellaneous offenses and all
its assets forfeited to federal government of Nigeria,”the judge stated.