A High Court in Yola, Adamawa State, has convicted and jailed former
Gov. Bala James Ngilari to five years imprisonment for failing to adhere to the procurement laws
of the state.
In a 75-minute long ruling, Justice Nathan Musa found the former
governor guilty of four charges, and discharged him on one, which
bordered on conspiracy.
The judge discharged and acquitted former Secretary to the State
Government, and the Commissioner of Finance, who were second and third
defendants in the case.
In handing down his sentence, the judge said the law stipulated that
the convict shall not be given an option of fine.
He sentenced the former governor to five years in prison, and said the
convict is serve his term in any prison of his choice.
Mr. Ngilari was charged on September 21, 2016.
