A Grade 1 Area Court Bukuru, Jos South LGA of Plateau State has found one Gabriel Orupou (Alias Alaye) of Dadin Kowa, Jos guilty of Criminal Conspiracy and has sentenced him to Two Years Imprisonment and or N100,000 fine for destroying a billboard belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State.
Presiding Judges, Hon Hyacinth Dolnaan and Hon Abdulahi Sadiq while delivering sentence also granted compensation in the sum of N400,000 as damages for the banners destroyed and a six months jail terms in the event of default.
The Billboard which was sponsored by Chief Kefas Ropshik (Kefiano) carried campaign inscriptions of the PDP Presidential Candidate, HE Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON Wazirin Adamawa and his Deputy HE Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa was allegedly destroyed by Gariel Orupou (Alias Alaye) on instructions of one Musa and one Danlami (now at large) of Dadin Kowa who reportedly paid him the sum of N2,000 to pull down the Billboard.
While addressing Journalists shortly after the Legal Adviser to the PDP in Bassa LGA, Barrister John Amama said that the judgement delivered was indeed victory for democracy.
He hailed the Nigerian Police Force for once again demonstrating that they are up and doing in upholding justice and fairness to all political parties. He used the opportunity to call on Nigerian Youths not to allow themselves to be used as Political Thugs as there are consequences for such acts. He appealed to Political Parties to engage in issue-based campaigns rather than employing the services of thugs to destroy campaign materials of their political opponents.
He praised the PDP in Plateau State for conducting themselves in a very civilized manner by addressing the matter through legal channels rather than retaliate in kind.
Nigeria Star News 