Adamawa ex-Commissioner sentenced to 10 years in prison

A Justice of the Federal High Court, Yola, Adamawa state, Justice Bilkisu Bello, was on Friday gave a 10 years imprisonment to sentenced former Commissioner of Local Government Affairs John Elias for defrauding Adamawa State government of the sum of N51.5 million while in office.

‎EFCC had arraigned Elias along side two others who were discharged as well as a company owned by Elias on four count charges of fraud.

According to Justice Aliyu, the judgement will serve as a deterrent to public office holders who may want to divert public funds. For personal benefit.

"I hereby sentenced the first convict, 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," Justice Bilkisu Aliyu ruled.

"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," she said.

The judge also ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to wind up Al-Akim Investment Limited and have its assets forfeited to the federal government of Nigeria.