The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today arraigned the Taraba State Accountant – General, Joel Joseph Lenbang, before Justice Donatus Nwabueze Okorowo of the Federal High Court Jalingo for defrauding Taraba State Government to the tune of  N1.56 billion. He was docked on an 8-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretense, offenses contrary to and punishable under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

When the charges were read to him, the accused person pleaded not guilty.
The malfeasance came to light following a petition received from a concerned Taraba State indigene, sometime in February 2014, alleging massive looting of Taraba state funds. The petition triggered investigation of the lifestyle of some of the officers mentioned in the petition and who were believed to be living above their means.

The investigation uncovered systematic withdrawal of state funds through a scheme mastermind by the accountant - general of the State, Joel Lengbang. Withdrawals were allegedly made under the guise that such monies were used for sundry payments on behalf of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as payment of Bank Commissions on Turn over (COT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) which became a monthly affair. A total sum of N1,567,226,557.081 (one billion, five hundred and sixty seven million, two hundred and twenty six thousand, five hundred and fifty seven naira, eighty one kobo) was discovered to have been looted from the state treasury between January 2012 and December 2013.

In view of the plea of the accused, prosecuting counsel, Al Qasim Ja’afar applied for a date to commence trial. Counsel to accused, Abayomi Akamode, however, informed the court that he had filed a motion for bail this morning and urged the court hear it. But Al Qasim told the court that he was just served the motion on notice in court and would need time to peruse and respond appropriately.

Justice Okorowo adjourned the case till July 11, 2014 for hearing of the bail application and remanded the accused in prison custody.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
9th July, 2019 Top Stories


http://saharareporters.com/2014/07/09/taraba-state-accountant-general-docked-n156bn-fraud

Wonders shall never cease in Naija

Looting like there is no tomorrow.

bulshit story no source only sauce

They are about to loot this country dry. Thieves everywhere.

Plea bargain and he's out scot nigerian free these are de people financing BH

bigtt76: Plea bargain and he's out scot nigerian free these are de people financing BH

I can't say more you just got the right words from my heart very soon he will be walking free what a sad country we are in.

That's all what we gonna hear about, will there be justice on that?

#1.56bn..?



Just an 'ordinary stealing', this is not 'corruption'

Wow, see the way dem hang shame sign board for a whole State Accountant General neck...Sin sinks

Honestly, I weep for Nigeria. When you live in another country and see how other people are managing their national resources, one can only wonder whether or not our crude oil has been a blessing or a curse. Their is enough for everyone but few have decided to steal it all for themselves.

Naija my country, Na wa ooo

Edwardhead: That's all what we gonna hear about, will there be justice on that?

i dnt think so

C as d old man be sef.... Wat doeds he wa9t to use dat kinda money for @ his age? What would he tell his grandchildren?

with this kind picture, the man friends and family go dey see am, too bad, anyway when you come out cos na naija be this, you go chop your money, no shaking.

Why was he compelled to hang that offence tag around his neck in the mug shot? It is clearly demeaning and prejudicial, considering that he is supposed to be a 'suspect' - and likely a first-time offender.

Since guilt has not been established, it doesn't seem right. Besides, it is arguably not standard practice, since many persons accused/prosecuted for similar offences in this country are not subjected to the same indignity.

Perhaps learned lawyers in the house could shed light on the matter. What purpose does it serve? It can't (or at least shouldn't) be punitive, since suspects are deemed innocent until they are duly convicted.

1.56 billion dere iz God oo

very soon dz case will jux die off like doz of....... patricia etteh rev kinq n etc!

broadminded: Wow, see the say dem hang shame sign board for a whole State Accountant General neck...Sin sinks

He has seen the better life set before him. He will despise the shame n endure the board. When d matter dies and the charges are dropped...OUR MAN DON HAMMER

GEJ govt full of corruption

No wonder pensioners are not paid and a lot of people are suffering all because of these damned soul who shall reap what he has sowed seven folds, they will always give excuse of security vote to embezzle.

Na wa ooo #Greatken

He pick pockets from the country treasury. Corporate Thief, what difference does he have with rogues who pick pockets?

this money is enough to bring electricity to gassol local government for more than 30 years ve never see light in gassol and one idiot is here embezzling billions

Such a huge amount of money was comfortably coveted by one greedy fool. Our crude oil suffers the loot. It shall run dry one day!

We all knw nothing tangible will come of this case, as usual the case will suddenly be swept under the carpet.

After many years, these cases haven't been completed & we Nigerians have a very short memory.......

Ayo Fayose (Free man) - #1.2B

Joshua Dariye (Free man) - #700M

Saminu Turaki (Free man) - #36B

James Ibori (Jailed) - #9.2B (Granted bail by court since 2008 but ThankGod for UK, Ibori is cooling off in jail)

Jolly Nyame (Free man)(Ex-Gov Taraba) - #1.3B

Nyeson Wike (Serving Minister) - #4.670B

These cases were never completed and i don't think they will ever be completed.. So what is the Joy.
I bet you, this is the last you will hear of this Taraba state AG's case.

The petition triggered investigation of the lifestyle of some of
the officers mentioned in the petition and who were believed
to be living above their means.

This country is one hell of a comic contraption. Is there any public officer in this country not living above their means I mean, any!!

Looting!looting!looting!his get salary & allowances but yet his unsatisfied,human GREED gat u wearing a dog tag.Thank god he is still in jail.

story story...na today? d whole case wil be swept under d carpet...those dat were caught before him... where ar they now... ?

is his name actually JOEL? cos I think I see a black spot on his forehead... no pun intended

strangest: is his name actually JOEL? cos I think I see a black spot on his forehead... no pun intended

yes his name is Joel and a very active Christian but corruption does not care about that, Taraba have more Christians than Muslims and they have never had a Muslim Governor before.