Court frees ex-Plateau governor of N6.3 billion fraud

Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has on Friday in a judgement discharged and acquitted the former governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jonah Jang from all seventeen count charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against him over alleged misappropriation of the sum of N6.3 billion belonging to the state.

Our correspondent report that the trial of former Governor Jonah Jang started on the 4th of May 2018, almost four and half years ago and however discharged and acquitted him on Friday, September 2, 2022.

The presiding judge of the Court, Justice Christy Dabup, cleared Sen Jang of all 17 count charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Jang, 78, who ruled Plateau State between 2007 and 2015, was discharged and acquitted alongside a former cashier in the office of the Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Yusuf Pam.

Lead Counsel to Jang, Mike Ozekhome, SAN said that EFCC charges were nothing but tale without any proof that Jonah Jang who was the former military governor of Benue, old Gongola states and later Plateau State diverted the said money to personal use.

“So literally between May 4th, 2018 and today September 2, 2022, this man who served the state meritoriously has been undergoing torturous and harrowing experience for about four and a half years of trial and tribulations.

“But today justice came out and the court found out that the former governor did not steal a Kobo from Plateau Government coffers.

“The court said that it did not find with this man, whether in his account, whether in his office, whether with his children, whether with his wife, whether with his relations, whether with his friends.

While reacting to the Judgement Counsel to the EFCC Oluwaleke Atolagbe said, ” We have not seen the complete copy of the judgment, we will look at it and review, and most likely we will go on appeal.”

Former Governor Jonah Jang who could not hold his tears, while Speaking with Journalists said he give God the glory for bringing him through and I call on all Plateau sons and daughters, including people of goodwill on the plateau not to wish leaders bad.

“Let us close ranks and speak with one voice so that Plateau will emerge out of its current state to take its rightful place of pride as the envy of other states. The Plateau we have always known and been proud of has taken backstage but the onus is on us the reclaim our state and builds it to the land of our dreams as was planned by our founding fathers and the generation of past leaderships.

“I hold no grudge against anyone as I consider whatever I have gone through as the price I had to pay for choosing the path of leadership

Meanwhile Senator Representing Plateau North in the National Assembly Sen. Istifanus has described the discharge and acquittal of former Plateau Governor, Da Senator Jonah Jang of all corruption charges by a Jos High Court following due and prolonged prosecution by the EFCC as a divine vindication.

Gyang in a Press Statement signed and issued in Jos by his Media Aide
Precious K. Nyako said he sees judgement as a further authentication of the record performance of the Jang administration on the Plateau.

Senator Gyang says that the outcome of the trial indicates that the Nigerian Judiciary can still be relied upon for fair and just adjudication and justice administration.

The Senator rejoices with both Dara Jang and Yusuf Pam on their acquittal even as he ascribes the glory to God for vindicating them.