Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by: Henry Owen
A High Court sitting in Taraba State has discharged and acquitted two former local government chairmen and a finance director who were standing trial over alleged fraud and financial misconduct, bringing an end to a case that had lasted several years.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, May 22, 2026, by Justice Aisha Mohammed, who ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges of fraud, conspiracy, and abuse of office beyond reasonable doubt.
The acquitted persons include Alhaji Yusuf Sani, former Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area; Mr. Luka Daniel, former Chairman of Zing Local Government Area; and Mr. Samuel Tukur, a former Director of Finance in one of the councils.
The defendants were initially arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations relating to the diversion and misappropriation of public funds during their tenure in office between 2016 and 2018.
According to court records, the EFCC alleged that the accused persons were involved in the unlawful transfer and approval of payments from local government accounts, which were said to be inconsistent with approved budgetary procedures and financial regulations governing local government administration.
The prosecution had presented documentary evidence and witness testimonies over the course of the trial, arguing that certain financial transactions linked to the councils were not properly accounted for and violated public service financial rules.
However, the defence teams led by Barrister Musa Adamu and Barrister Helen Auta argued that all transactions in question were duly approved within the scope of official responsibilities and followed due administrative processes, insisting that the accused acted within their statutory powers as elected and appointed officials at the time.
Delivering judgment, Justice Aisha Mohammed held that while allegations of financial irregularities were raised, the prosecution did not establish sufficient evidence to sustain a criminal conviction against the defendants.
The court further noted that criminal liability must be proven beyond reasonable doubt and that suspicion or administrative discrepancies alone could not justify a guilty verdict.
Following the ruling, the court ordered the immediate release of all defendants and dismissed all charges filed by the EFCC in the matter.
The acquittal marks the conclusion of a legal process that had drawn public attention in Taraba State, where concerns over accountability and financial management in local government councils have frequently been raised by civil society groups.
The EFCC had earlier maintained that the case formed part of its broader efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged corruption at the local government level across Nigeria, particularly involving public funds allocated for development projects and administrative operations.
However, defence counsel argued throughout the trial that the case was politically motivated and based on misinterpretation of routine administrative financial decisions taken during their tenure.
As of Friday, May 23, 2026, the EFCC had not publicly confirmed whether it would appeal the judgment or initiate any further legal action regarding the acquittal.
The ruling adds to a series of recent court decisions in Nigeria where high-profile corruption cases involving public officials have ended in acquittal due to insufficient evidence or procedural gaps in prosecution.
Civil society groups in Taraba State have called for stronger financial monitoring systems in local government administration, while also urging anti-corruption agencies to improve investigation quality before filing charges in court.
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