Former Plateau state governor, Joshua Dariye, today
pleaded with Justice Adebukola Banjoko to temper justice with mercy as
she handed him a 14-year jail term for diverting N1.1 billion from the
state when he was governor.
Counsel to Dariye, Paul Eroko, pleaded for the court to temper justice with mercy as his client was misled by some persons.
“Appeals to your judgement do not succeed, we will fall on your
mercy. The prisons are congested. They misled the governor, it is the
bank, they said he didn’t have to present anything.” he said
Counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, said Dariye did not deserve a light
sentence because he “didn’t show remorse” and that a strong sentence
would serve as a deterrence to those holding public offices.
“He is not remorseful, his case should serve as a deterrence,” Jacobs said.
At this point, Dariye said he wanted to speak.
“Have mercy, you are a Christian, your name is Jacob,” he said.
Justice Banjoko afterwards sentenced him to 14 years in jail without
an option of fine. Dariye wept as she delivered her judgement.