Court To Ex-Gov Nyame: You Have Case To Answer

An FCT high court has said that former Taraba State governor. Rev. Jolly Nyame has a case to answer in the ongoing N1.64 billion alleged fraud for which he is being tried.

Justice Adebukola Banjoko of FCT high court Gudu gave the ruling today, and consequently ordered Nyame to begin his defence on March 8

Nyame who is standing trial on a 41 count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation of N1.64 billion state fund, had earlier made a no- case submission to the court

The ex-governor had on January 18, through his counsel, Mr. Charles Edosomwan, urged court to “hold that the testimony of prosecution witnesses have been so damaging and can’t be relied on” and “the crucial elements are missing in this case”.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, the court cited Sections 302, 303, 357 and 358 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to back its decision.

It noted that, it was in order for a defendant to apply to the court for a “no-case” submission, but the “court shall have discretion whether essential elements of the offence have been proven or not”.

The court noted that a prima facie case implies a ground for proceeding, “it doesn’t require proof beyond every reasonable doubt, as is required to find a defendant guilty or not”, and, “whether the prosecution has made some case requiring clarification from the defendant no matter how slight”.

“In relation to this court, having had a close look at the evidence and exhibits, I hold that this case requires him to provide information and give explanation with regards to evidence presented by the prosecution.

The court ordered Nyame to commence his defense in the interest of justice.