The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Gombe zonal office has secured the conviction of one Hassan Abubakar before Justice Abubakar Jauro of Gombe State High Court on 15 count charges bordering on criminal breach of trust.
Hassan, who hails from Donga Local Government of Taraba State was arraigned sometimes in 2019 following a petition by one Abubakar Suleman of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, alleging that, in 2017, the convict diverted the sum of One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand Naira (N1, 582, 000) which he invested in a rice farming business jointly owned by them.
Count three of the charge reads, “That you Hassan Abubakar and Jamilu Abubakar (at large) sometimes in 2017 in Gombe, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court converted to your own use the sum of N208, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Eight Thousand Naira only) property of Abubakar Suleman and thereby committed and offence contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Court Law”.
He pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for trial.
Justice Jauro, in his judgment, said the prosecution through it counsel A. M. Ocholi proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He convicted and sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment on each of the 15 counts. The sentences are to run consecutively.
Hassan was however given an option of N75, 000.00 fine and directed to pay the complainant the amount in question in restitution.