An Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama has sentenced former Secretary of National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC), Chief Emeka Ibila to five years in imprisonment for defrauding the Federal Government of N28 million.
Chief Ibila and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Vincent Ugbalafor were charged before Justice Ishaq Bello by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for defrauding the Federal Government of over N180 million.
The ICPC established before the court that Chief Ibila while acting as Secretary to NEIC between 1999 and 2001 used his company, Ehijiricho Nigeria limited to defraud the Federal Government through unexecuted contracts.
The Commission further established that Ibila in his confessional statements admitted giving N28 million to Prince Ugbalafor as part of the proceeds of the fraud.
He later added another N2 million gift during the dedication of his child.
Justice Ishaq in his ruling said Ibila admitted guilt in his confessional statements that he indeed gave Ugbalafor N28 million, even though the ex PDP chairman denied collecting the money, except the N2 million which was given as donation, after he has resigned from the PDP as chairman.
He then sentenced him to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.
He said, “This ugly situation needs to be checked. The situation does not call for leniency. I can only recommend maximum health attention by the prison authority. I hereby sentence you to five years imprisonment with no option of fine and the sentence should run concurrently.”
The Court however discharged and acquitted Ugbalafor of the 17-count charge.