Erstwhile Commissioner for Finance and Local Government/ Chieftaincy Affairs in Adamawa State, Mr John Elias has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine.
The sentence was pronounced on Friday by Justice Bilkisu Bello Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Yola.
The judge on Friday also ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission to wind down the convict's company, Alhakim Nigeria Ltd.
Elias is also to refund the sum of N51.5 million which he stole from the state government while in office.
Justice Aliyu said that she hoped the judgement would serve as a deterrent to public office holders who might be tempted to steal from resources meant for the common good in the future.
Reading out the sentence, the Judge said ;
“I hereby sentence the first accused, John Babani Elias to 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 company .
“With regards to the second convict ALHAKIM NIGERIA LIMITED, I sentence 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 be wound up by the Corporate Affairs Commission as provided by section 3(2) of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act and all its assets forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
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