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The former Commissioner of Local Government Affairs in Adamawa State, John Elias, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding the state government of the sum of N51.5 million while in office.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (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 Bilkisu Bello Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Yola, Adamawa state on Friday 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.