We didn’t obtain ​Ex-Gov. ​Nyame’s statement under duress – EFCC

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said on Thursday that it did not obtain the statement of former Governor Jolly Nyame of Taraba under duress.

The commission stated this at the resumed trial of Mr. Nyame on alleged stealing of N1.64 billion before an FCT High Court presided by Adebukola Banjoko.

A statement issued by Wilson Uwujaren, the Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, stated that an operative of the commission, Ishaq Salihu, disclosed this before the court.

Mr. Uwujaren said Mr. Salihu, a prosecution witness, who was led in evidence by EFCC lawyer, Adebisi Adeniyi from Rotimi Jacob (SAN) chamber told the court that Mr. Nyame’s statement was made voluntarily.

“Salihu was one of the investigators that took the statement of the accused sometime in July 2007.

“According to him, EFCC, as a law enforcement agency, has great respect for professionalism and would not do anything to either undermine people’s rights or the rule of law,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the witness maintained that Mr. Nyame’s statement was voluntary when he was being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Sikiru Adewoye.

The statement said that the EFCC had closed its case in the trial and the court adjourned till November 18 for Mr. Nyame’s lawyers to open their defense.

Mr. Nyame, according to the statement, is facing a 41-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation of state funds.

Source: Premium Times