A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing in the case between the former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until July 25.
During the court session, the EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, mentioned that due to the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, was unable to meet with other parties to discuss unresolved matters related to a settlement.
Jacobs requested a short delay, and Nyako’s attorney, Mr. Mathew Onoja, agreed to this request along with the other defense lawyers present.
Consequently, Justice Peter Lifu approved the adjournment, keeping in mind the seven-day mourning period declared by the federal government.
Previously, Jacobs informed the court that both parties had begun negotiations to potentially resolve the case outside of court.
Nyako’s lawyer, Mr. Michael Aondoaka, confirmed that these discussions were progressing well and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon.
The EFCC has charged Nyako and his son, Abdulaziz, along with two other individuals, Zulkifikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu, with offenses, including conspiracy, theft, abuse of power, and money laundering.
They are accused of stealing over N29 billion from the Adamawa State treasury between 2011 and 2014 through five different companies, Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited, and Crust Energy Limited.
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The prosecutor claims that in an attempt to hide the illegal origin of the stolen money, the defendants invested in property developments in Abuja.
They allegedly funneled large amounts of money, labeled as security funds, through the then Regional Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, North East, Nigeria, Ma’aji Iro, for their benefit, violating money laundering laws.
Earlier this year, the Court of Appeal directed Nyako and his son to present their defense after determining that there was enough evidence to warrant further examination of the case.
The trial court had previously ruled that the defendants had to respond to the allegations against them despite their claims that the evidence presented was insufficient.
