Court Dismisses Nyame’s No-Case Submission

Alex Enumah in Abuja

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gudu District of Abuja, has dismissed a no-case submission filed by former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame, in a corruption suit preferred against him by the federal government.

Nyame is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly misappropriating state funds to the tune of N1.64 billion.

At the last adjournment, following the closure of the prosecution’s case, having called 14 witnesses, the defence had  told the court that it intended to file a “no case” submission on the grounds that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against Nyame.

The trial judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko, after taking submissions from both prosecuting and defence counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi and Charles Edosamwan (SAN), respectively, fixed February 14 for ruling on the no-case submission filed by Nyame.

Delivering ruling on the no-case submission yesterday, the judge however, held that the prosecution through the various evidences brought against Nyame, have proved that the former governor has a case to answer.

Consequently, the court ordered the defendant to enter his defence and fixed March 8, 2017 for the defendant to commence his defence.

Also, the court held that in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the trial will run on a day-to-day basis.

Nyame is facing a 41-count charge of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of state funds to the tune of N1.64 billion, when he was governor of Taraba State between 1999 and 2007.