A Federal High Court sitting in Yola presided by Justice Bilkisu Bello Aliyu, Friday’sentenced a former commissioner in Adamawa State, John Elias to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine.
Elias was commissioner for finance and Local government and chieftaincy affairs during Boni Haruna’s administration in the state.
“I hereby sentenced 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,” Aliyu said.
“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 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,” Aliyu ordered.