Justice Bilkisu Bello Aliyu of the Federal High Court in Yola, Adamawa state on Friday handed 10 years imprisonment sentence to former Commissioner of Local Government Affairs, John Elias for defrauding Adamawa State government of the sum of N51.5million while in office.
The 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.
Justice Aliyu ruled: “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.”
“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.
Justice Aliyu said the judgement will serve as a deterrent to other public office holders who are in the habit of diverting public funds for their personal benefit.
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