Former Finance commissioner in Adamawa state jailed 10 years for stealing N51.5m while in office

A Former commissioner for Finance and Local government and chieftaincy affairs during Boni Haruna’s administration in Adamawa state, John Elias, was today sentenced to 10 years in jail by a Federal High Court sitting in Yola for stealing N51.5 million from the state coffers while he was in office. The presiding judge, Justice Bilkisu Bello Aliyu, ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission to shut down the former commissioner's company, Alhakim Nigeria Limited which he allegedly used in siphoning the state funds.

Justice Aliyu delivered the judgement under section 3 (2) of the miscellaneous act and said the judgement will serve as a deterrent to occupiers of public office holders who may want to filter resources meant for developmental projects.

The judge convicted Elias on count 3 and 4 charges and imprisoned him to 10 years on each charge though the two convictions would run concurrently.

“I hereby sentenced the first accused, John Babani Elias for 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 Coy. 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,” he said