Dariye’s trial: EFCC took all documents in 2005 – Witness

A defence witness, Paul Datugum, in the trial of a former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, has told an FCT High Court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission took all documents relating to the transaction in 2005.
Dariye is standing trial for alleged diversion of N1.16 billion ecological fund belonging to the Plateau State Government.
Datugum, a Deputy Director (Account), Plateau Ministry of Finance, made this known on Monday when he was cross examined by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
Dariye’s counsel, Garba Pwul (SAN), had through the witness tendered a document dated October 13.
The subpoena, marked as exhibit D19, aside coming to testify had requested for documents from the ministry on the case.
The witness told the court that he was in the neighbouring Ministry of Education when the operatives stormed the office and people scampered for safety.
Datugum said: “I was watching from the window on the first floor and I saw operatives of the EFCC carrying away bags from the ministry loaded with documents.”
The witness also told the court that his predecessor, Bala Kwlfup, who died in 2006, did not officially handover to him.
He said: “All the documents from 1999 to 2005 were packed from the office of the Accountant-General.’’
Also tendered was the witness statement which he gave the EFCC on February 2016, marked as exhibit D20.
The statement reads in part: “…I am not in the position to trace any document in request of cheques listed.”
Datugum said: “There was no handing over given to me and I am not in possession of document.
“There was no inventory taken in respect of the documents carted away by the staff of the EFCC in 2005 as my predecessor fled the premises.”
Justice Adebukola Banjoko adjourned continuation of defence till October 20.