Police Pension Scam: Court Adjourns Over John Yusufu’s Health Concern

The trial of John Yakubu Yusufu, a former Director of Police Pension Office who is being prosecuted before Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, could not go on today, March 4, 2013 following severe discomfort by the accused person that raised fears of ill-health. Consequently, the matter was adjourned to April 22, 2013.

At the resumed hearing today, the first prosecution witness, Mustapha Sanni, an operative of the EFCC had barely began to testify when counsel to the accused, Gabriel Tsenyen told the court that his client was uncomfortable and prayed that he be allowed to sit down. The judge granted the request and adjourned the case to April 22, 2013 for hearing, while fixing March 13, 2013 for consideration of the bail application. Justice Bello ordered that the accused be allowed access to medical attention while in custody.

 

John Yakubu Yusufu is facing a four count charge bordering on failure to make full disclosure of assets and liability in his Assets Declaration form and declare his interest in a company known as SY-A Global Services Limited.

 It will be recalled that Yusufu was among six top officials of the Police Pension Office arraigned by the EFCC on March 29, 2012, on 16-count criminal charges bordering on conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The other accused persons are Esai Dangabar, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Mrs. Veronica Ulonma Onyegbula and Sani Habila Zira. Kigo was the director of the Police Pension Office before he was made permanent. They allegedly stole over N32.8billion from the police pension office.
On Monday, January 28, 2013, Justice Mohammed Talba convicted and sentenced Yusufu to 6 years imprisonment with the option of a fine, having pleaded guilty to three counts of an amended 20-count charge