HIGHLIGHT – Bala James Ngilari
The Adamawa High Court Monday jailed a former Governor of Adamawa State, Bala James Ngilari for five years without option of fine.
Bala James Ngilari
He was convicted by Justice Nathan Musa for alleged violation of procurement laws.
According to the judge, the minimum sentence allowed by law was five years although the convict could have earned more than 25 years under maximum term.
The EFCC had charged Ngilari for violation of procurement laws in the award of contract of N167million to one El-Yadi Motors Limited for supply of 25 units of operational vehicles (Toyota Corolla).
The Commission had instituted a 19 count-charge against Ngilari, his former secretary to the government, Ibrahim Andrew Welye and his former Commissioner of Finance and Budget, Sanda Jonathan Lamurde.
EFCC accused them of conspiracy, lack of No objection Certificate, No competitive bidding and others in procurement process.
Mr Ngillari has however said he will exercise his rights to appeal while welcoming the judgement in good faith.
“I accept the judgement with good faith without hard feelings to anyone,” he told journalists after the ruling.
