A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing on the plea bargain report between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, to July 25.
Naijaonpoint understands that the case hearing was adjourned due to delays caused by the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
At the resumed proceedings on Friday, EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that discussions on a possible out-of-court settlement were stalled because the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), could not meet with other relevant parties.
“Following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the AGF was unavailable to hold meetings to resolve outstanding issues. He has now asked for a short adjournment,” Jacobs told the court.
Defence counsel, including Mathew Onoja, who appeared for Nyako, and other defence lawyers, did not object to the EFCC’s request.
Presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, granted the adjournment, noting the court’s recognition of the federal government’s declared seven-day mourning period.
During the previous court session, Jacobs had hinted that both parties were actively negotiating a settlement.
“By the next adjourned date, we hope to have resolved all the details,” he had said.
Nyako’s counsel, Michael Aondoaka (SAN), confirmed this development, stating that talks were progressing well.
“Discussions have reached an advanced stage. I am optimistic that we will resolve this matter amicably,” he told the court.
EFCC Accuses Nyako, Son Of Money Laundering
The EFCC had earlier filed multiple charges against Nyako, his son Abdulaziz, and two others, Zulkifikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering, and theft of over ₦29 billion from Adamawa State’s treasury between 2011 and 2014.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the funds were siphoned through five companies, namely:
- Blue Opal Limited
- Sebore Farms & Extension Limited
- Pagoda Fortunes Limited
- Tower Assets Management Limited
- Crust Energy Limited
According to the EFCC, the defendants used these firms to mask the illicit origin of the stolen funds, which were allegedly channelled into estate developments in Abuja.
The funds, reportedly disguised as security allocations, were said to be managed by Ma’aji Iro, then Regional Manager of Zenith Bank Plc (North East), and withdrawn in tranches for private use.
The offence contravenes Section 15(2)(a) & (6) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012, and is punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
Appeal Court Orders Nyako To Open Defence
Naijaonpoint reports that in a ruling delivered on January 18, 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed appeals by Nyako and his co-defendants seeking to halt their trial.
The appellate panel, led by Justice Olabisi Ige, held that the EFCC had established a prima facie case warranting a full trial.
This decision upheld an earlier ruling by Justice Okon Abang, who, on July 19, 2021, directed the defendants to open their defence after the EFCC closed its case with 21 witnesses.
The defence had argued that none of NAIJAONPOINT es directly implicated them, and urged the court to dismiss the charges. However, the court held otherwise.
The case is now expected to resume on July 25, pending further updates on the plea bargain discussions.