A High Court in Taraba State, under the leadership of Chief Judge Justice Joel Agya, has sentenced Festus Edward to two years and six months imprisonment for his involvement in the theft and destruction of government property at Danbaba Suntai Airport in Jalingo.
Edward, who resides in Jauroyinu, Ardo Kola Local Government Area, was given the option to pay a ₦250,000 fine instead of serving the jail term.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday in criminal case No. TRSJ/2C/2022, found Edward guilty of criminal conspiracy and theft.
Justice Agya detailed that Edward, along with three others— Ibrahim Malam-Gaji, Abdurahaman Ahmed, and Yahaya Adamu—were charged in connection with vandalizing airport infrastructure and attempting to transport 15 stolen iron poles in a Mitsubishi van.
The prosecution stated that the suspects were caught on October 30, 2021. They were also accused of destroying 20 pieces of airfield lighting cables measuring 4,000 meters, valued at N61 million, all government property belonging to Taraba State.
Justice Agya highlighted that Edward’s confession to the police was “voluntary and detailed,” outlining how he planned and executed the crime with two other accomplices, Luka Peter and Monday Frances, who remain at large.
The judge emphasized that the conviction was based on Edward’s confession, supporting evidence, and eyewitness testimony.
In a surprising turn, Justice Agya acquitted the other three accused—Malam-Gaji, Ahmed, and Adamu—due to insufficient evidence. Describing them as “victims of circumstance,” the judge noted the prosecution failed to prove their involvement beyond reasonable doubt.
Edward was sentenced to six months for criminal conspiracy and two years for theft, with the sentences to be served consecutively.
While Edward’s lawyer pleaded for leniency, the counsel representing the acquitted defendants, Bilyaminu Bakoji, praised the Chief Judge for his thoroughness and fairness and also appealed for mercy, noting that Edward is a first-time offender and the main breadwinner for his family.
