Taraba Court Acquits Ex‑LG Officials In Alleged N104m Fraud

The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has discharged and acquitted three former officials of Sardauna Local Government Council over alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The defendants are former Executive Chairman, Dr. Jedua Ahmed Dawud; former Caretaker Chairman, Oliver Wubon; and former Director of Finance, Joseph Danladi John.
In judgment delivered Friday in suit No. TRSJ/19C/2020, Justice Agya held that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a six‑count charge in June 2020 against the trio, bordering on criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and use of false documents.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly diverted funds meant for capital projects in Sardauna Local Government Area in 2012.
The Commission alleged that Dr. Jedua Ahmed and Danladi misappropriated N27 million on October 4, 2012, and another N35 million on June 1, 2012, both earmarked for capital projects.
Wubon and Danladi were also accused of diverting N42 million meant for capital projects and forging a payment voucher in the name of Alhaji Saidu Mohammed with intent to commit fraud.
During proceedings, defence counsel argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case and relied heavily on witness statements amassed during investigations.
Justice Agya ruled that the prosecution failed to substantiate the allegations of conspiracy and fraud, adding that the conspiracy charge was unsustainable because the alleged offences were committed separately.
The court consequently discharged and acquitted all three defendants on all counts. Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Stephen Okemini, said he would study the judgment before deciding on further action.