Court convicts man on plea bargain terms

Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya of an FCT High Court, Kubwa yesterday convicted a businessman, Sha’aban Ubale, based on  the terms of a plea bargain entered into with the Economic and Financiual Crimes Commission(EFCC). The plea bargain terms of agreement was consented to by Ubale, his counsel, Charles Nwafor, the prosecutor, Rita Ogar, the complainant, Abdullahi Garba […]

Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya of an FCT High Court, Kubwa yesterday convicted a businessman, Sha’aban Ubale, based on  the terms of a plea bargain entered into with the Economic and Financiual Crimes Commission(EFCC).

The plea bargain terms of agreement was consented to by Ubale, his counsel, Charles Nwafor, the prosecutor, Rita Ogar, the complainant, Abdullahi Garba and the Investigating Officer from the EFCC.

Delivering judgment, Ogbonnaya, noted that Ubale who was arraigned and pleaded guilty to the charge of cheating would be convicted depending on the agreement of the parties involved in the case.

Justice Ogbonnaya ordered Ubale to pay a fine of N500, 000.

” The terms agreed pursuant to Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ( ACJA) states that N47 milliion recovered from Ubale in the course of EFCC ‘s investigations be paid to the nominal complainant, Sada Adamu,

” An outstanding of N15 million should be paid by post dated cheques to the nominal complainant at N5 million each on, June 30, Sept. 30, and Dec. 30.

” The agreement also states that upon conviction, sentencing of the court should be an option of fine, ” she said.

Ubale was arraigned by the EFCC on an amended charge of cheating which he pleaded guilty to.

The prosecutor had entered a plea bargain agreement dated Feb. 1, and filed Feb. 5 urging the court to enter judgment according to the terms.

Ubale was arrested by operatives of the EFCC  on Feb.1, 2016 at National Judicial Council Staff Quarters, Karu, Abuja for fraudulently inducing Garba to deliver N62 million to him in October 2014.

Ubale did same by purporting to have the mandate of National Judicial Council to award third party  contracts of N6 million and below. (NAN).