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Corruption: Adamawa ex-Gov Ngilari discharged, acquitted by A’Court

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Corruption: Adamawa ex-Gov Ngilari discharged, acquitted by A'Court

The Appeal Court sitting in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, has discharged and acquitted a former governor of the state, Bala Ngilari.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had accused Ngilari of corruption and alleged violation of procurement laws in the award of N167 million contract to one El-Yadi Motors Limited for the supply of 25 units of operational vehicles (Toyota Corolla).

Following the allegation, the EFCC instituted a 19-count charge against Ngilari, his former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ibrahim Welye and his former Commissioner of Finance and Budget, Sanda Lamurde.

The three pleaded not guilty and their lawyers applied for bail on their behalf, but the prosecution opposed the appeal.

Read also : Senate passes whistleblower Bill, false informant to get 5years jail, N10m fine

Ngilari was later jailed by a Yola High Court that found him guilty of ignoring due process in the procurement of 25 vehicles for N169 million.

He was however granted bail under controversial circumstances, on health grounds, by a Yola High Court 1, presided over by Justice Nathan Musa, after he appealed against his five years conviction.

Ruling on the former governor’s appeal of his conviction on Thursday, the Appeal Court in Yola, however discharged and acquitted him.

 

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