N6.34bn fraud: Defendant didn’t indict Jang under duress – ICPC

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

An investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Taiwo Oluwayemi, who is a prosecution witness in the N6.34 billion fraud trial of former Plateau state Governor, Jonah Jang, has told Plateau state High Court that the testimony of Yusuf Pam, a former cashier at Government House, Jos, was not made under duress.

Pam, who is the second defendant had on April 10 alleged that his statement in which he indicted Jang was obtained under duress by the ICPC.

His testimony prompted Justice Daniel Longi to order a trial within trial. Pam’s claim followed an intense cross-examination by lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) at the last sitting of the court.

But, under cross-examination by prosecution counsel, Adebisi Adeyemi, the investigator (Oluwayemi) narrated how the ICPC received a petition, alleging fraudulent practices, mismanagement and diversion of funds by the Plateau state government under Jang, which he said, was investigated by his team headed by Fatima Mohammed, now an ex-staff of ICPC.

In the course of investigation, Oluwayemi revealed that letters were forwarded to various agencies of the state government.

When asked to explain to the court if he knew Pam (the second defendant) and under what circumstance his statement was obtained by the ICPC, the prosecution witness affirmed he knew Pam and that he volunteered his statement to the ICPC by his free will.

He further stated that though Pam was placed under arrest, he was released on bail after explaining his role in the alleged fraud involving Jang, his former boss and after fulfilling his bail conditions.

Stating the prosecution’s account of what transpired, the prosecution witness stated that “in November 17, 2016, Pam (second defendant) was invited and he came to our office and was later led to the interview room. We explained to him why he was under investigation.

“As provided by the Act that established the ICPC, the second defendant was made to read the words of caution, after which it was read and explained to him for clarity.

“He was also asked if he would be willing to volunteer his statement and he responded yes willingly.”

The witness told the court that the second defendant subsequently on his own visited the ICPC office severally to provide additional information to the commission and gave several assurances that he will be willing at any point in time to provide information to assist the commission in its investigation.

It could be recalled that Oluwayemi as a prosecution witness had earlier testified in the matter before the commencement of the trial within trial.

Jang and Pam, a former cashier in Jang’s administration were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge, bothering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N6.3billion, an act contrary to and punishable under Sections 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2011, as amended.

The case was adjourned to April 26 for continuation of trial within trial.