How ex-governor offered to refund N40m out of alleged N25bn loot

Senator Goje

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected the out-of-court settlement terms by former Gomber Governor, Senator Danjuma Goje, and four others.
Others are a former Gombe State Government House food supplier, Alhaji Sabo Mohammed Tumu; a former Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Aliyu Ubadone El-Nafaty; a businessman, S. M. Dokoro; and a firm, S. M. Dokoro Gombe.
 The accused persons, who were first arraigned on October 17, 2011 are facing an 18-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering of about N25billion.
Some of the charges include securing N5billion loan for infrastructural projects from without the approval of the House of Assembly; alleged diversion of N1.6billion meant for the purchase of dictionaries to other projects; alleged mismanagement of N1billion for commercial agriculture credit scheme under the supervision of the Central Bank of Nigeria; and award of N1.8billion food supply contract to the ex-governor’s cousin without bid process.
The Nation reports that the accused proposed an out-of-court settlement during a plea bargain negotiation session held between the EFCC team and their representatives.
The session had in attendance the prosecutor, Mr. Wahab Shittu, the Chief of Staff to the EFCC chairman, representatives from the Legal Unit of the anti-graft agency; the defence counsel, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN) and Goje’s representative.

A source said: “Goje and others only opted for an out-of-court settlement instead of plea bargain. They insisted that they have no case to answer because they allegedly committed no wrong. They vowed never to go into any plea bargain.
“At the end of the day, they offered to pay back only N40million to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), being accruable tax unpaid by the food supplier, who is standing trial.
“Later, the defence team reduced the amount payable to a ridiculous rate of N20million. They even added a clause that any payment effected should be credited to one of the accused persons and not Goje.
“They said once the terms are accepted, the EFCC should withdraw the charges against all the accused persons.”
“All the conditions are ridiculous. This is a case in which a former Clerk to Gombe State House of Assembly, Shehu Mohammed Atiku, has told a Federal High Court that the ex-governor forged the Resolution of the House and collected N5bn (five billion naira) facility from a bank.
“We already have a heap of evidence before the court to strengthen prosecution. We will go ahead with the trial of all the accused persons”.
Meanwhile, Justice B. O. Quadri has adjourned the matter till January 17 when the EFCC will tell that the out-of-court negotiation has collapsed.

Source: Daily Post