A High Court in Yola, Adamawa State, has convicted and jailed former
Gov. Bala James Ngilari for failing to adhere to the procurement laws
of the state.
In a 75-minute long ruling, Justice Nathan Musa found the former
governor guilty of four charges, and discharged him on one, which
bordered on conspiracy.
The judge discharged and acquitted former Secretary to the State
Government, and the Commissioner of Finance, who were second and third
defendants in the case.
In handing down his sentence, the judge said the law stipulated that
the convict shall not be given an option of fine.
He sentenced the former governor to five years in prison, and said the
convict is serve his term in any prison of his choice.
Mr. Ngilari was charged on September 21, 2016.
Recall that Ngillari was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission and arraigned before the Adamawa state High Court on a
19-count charge case bordering on fraudulent award of contract worth
over N167 million.
He was however granted N1 million bail by Justice Nathan Musa on
Thursday, September 22.
The former governor was also asked to provide one surety who must own
a landed property in Yola, Adamawa state capital.
The surety, the court said, must submit an affidavit of mean to the
court registrar before his release.
