We didn’t obtain Nyame’s statement under duress – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied ever obtaining the statement of former Governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame saying the man gave the statement voluntarily.
This was contained in a statement by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media & Publicity of the commission. He said the trial of Nyame who is being prosecuted by the EFCC, for allegedly stealing state funds to the tune of N1.64bn during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007 continued on Thursday, November 12, 2015 before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of an FCT High Court sitting in Gudu, Abuja.
The statement said Ishaq Salihu, an operative of EFCC, stated this Thursday while being led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi, from the chambers of Rotimi Jacobs, SAN.
“Salihu was one of the investigators that took the statement of the accused sometime in July, 2007.
“Answering questions during cross-examination by the defence, Sikiru Adewoye representing Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Salihu told the court that, the accused statement was voluntarily rendered and obtained in a professional manner.
“According to him, EFCC, as a law enforcement agency, has great respect for professionalism and would not do anything to either undermine people’s right or the rule of law.
“Salihu’s testimony brings to a close the prosecution’s case in respect of the trial-within-trial, setting the stage for the defence to present their witnesses.
“Justice Banjoko adjourned the case to November 18, 2015 for the Nyame’s counsel to present their witnesses.
“The judge further ruled that, the defence should be prepared to conclude their defence on the said adjourned date.” The statement said.
Nyame is facing a 41-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation of state funds as the Governor of Taraba State in the North East.
