N8.3 billion fraud: Court acquits ex-Jigawa governor, Turaki after 15 years trial

Former governor of Jigawa State, Senator Saminu Turaki who has been standing trial over alleged fraud of N8.3 billion belonging to Jigawa State government has been discharged by the Federal High Court sitting in Dutse.

He was alleged to have stolen the fund while he governed Jigawa and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been prosecuting him and three other accomplices since 2007.

The anti-graft agency initially dragged the ex-governor to Court alongside other persons with a 33-count charge bothering on diversification and misappropriation of state funds.

Delivering judgement on Thursday, Justice Hassan Dikko, struck out all charges for want of diligent prosecution and discharge the accused.

The court further ordered that the travel documents of the 1st accused person be released to him with immediate effect.

Reacting to the judgment, Saidu Muhammad Tudunwada one of the Saminu Turaki Defense Counsel, said the court found merit in their application for the discharge of the Accused person against the 33 count charges.

He added that with the ruling, Justice has been served and it is a victory for all.