Unic Press UK: The former governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame, has been convicted by a Federal High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, for criminal breach of trust, gratification, obtaining money by unlawful means, and diversion of public funds.
Jolly Nyame during a court session
Judge Adebukola Banjoko handed Nyame a total of 28 years jail term – 14 years for breach of public trust, 2 years for misappropriation of public monies, 5 years for obtaining money by illegitimate means, and 7 years for gratification. The conviction is to run concurrently. In effect, the former governor is expected to spend only fourteen years in prison.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Judge Banjoko in a ruling on the case said: “There’s no moral justification for the level of outright theft, and the court must therefore, impose a statement, hopefully as a deterrent to other public officers, who may be similarly inclined. From the totality of facts before the court, Nyame approved ₦250 million for purchase of stationery, but is found to have no intention to fulfill the purpose. “the audacity of the defendant to divert ₦180 million from the ₦250 to the company, shows that he had more than a casual interest and so can’t hide behind a screen. There was no evidence to show that Salman Global Ventures bid for any contracts.”
The criminal trial of Nyame begun on July 2007, following a writ of summons filed against the former governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
