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Former Governor Jolly Nyame, of Taraba State, has been sentenced to prison
by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for fraud.
Nyame was charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) on a 41-count of allegedly diverting N1.64billion during his
eight-year governorship tenure between 1999 and 2007.
Among other allegations, witnesses provided by EFCC said Nyame approved
the diversion of various funds to the tune of N345 million to a company,
Saman global, within five weeks in 2005.
Although Nyame denied knowing the company, the court found him guilty of
breaching public trust after noting that he confirmed approving the memo
ordering a transfer of the funds to the said company.
Adebukola Bankole, the presiding judge, held that Nyame was guilty of 27
of the 41 charges against him.
Specifically, Nyame was sentenced to two, five, seven and 14 years in jail
respectively after being convicted for four charges that include receiving
gratification, obtaining public funds without due consideration, and
criminal breach of trust.
However, the terms are to run concurrently, meaning Nyame will serve 14
years in jail unless a higher court decides otherwise.