A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday adjourned proceedings in the plea bargain arrangement between former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until July 25, 2025.
At the resumed hearing, EFCC lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) informed the court that progress in finalising the out-of-court settlement had been delayed due to the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He explained that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was unable to meet with all relevant parties because of the national mourning period.
According to Jacobs, the AGF directed that the matter be adjourned to allow time for further consultations. The defence team, led by Mathew Onoja and supported by other defence lawyers, raised no objections to the request.
Justice Peter Lifu, in granting the adjournment, said the court had taken judicial notice of the federal government’s seven-day mourning declaration and agreed that a short adjournment was appropriate.
The EFCC had previously informed the court on the last adjourned date that negotiations for a plea deal had begun. Jacobs expressed optimism that both parties would reach a resolution soon. This position was echoed by Nyako’s counsel, Michael Aondoaka (SAN), who confirmed that discussions were already at an advanced stage and progressing amicably.
Background of the Case
The EFCC is prosecuting Nyako, his son Abdulaziz Nyako, and two others Zulkifikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu on a multi-count charge of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, abuse of office, and theft of public funds. The commission alleges that the defendants fraudulently diverted over ₦29 billion from the Adamawa State treasury between 2011 and 2014 using five companies as conduits.
The companies listed in the charge include:
- Blue Opal Limited
- Sebore Farms & Extension Limited
- Pagoda Fortunes Limited
- Tower Assets Management Limited
- Crust Energy Limited
According to the EFCC, the accused attempted to conceal the origin of the stolen funds by developing real estate projects in Abuja. It was further alleged that the funds, presented as security allocations, were handed over to Ma’aji Iro, a then-regional manager of Zenith Bank Plc, and withdrawn in tranches for personal use.
These offences are in breach of Section 15 (2)(a) and (6) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012, and are punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same law.
Court of Appeal’s Position
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, in a ruling delivered on January 18, 2022, upheld the decision of the trial court that the defendants must enter their defence. The appellate panel, led by Justice Olabisi Ige, ruled that the EFCC had made a prima facie case that merited a full trial.
This decision followed the trial court’s earlier ruling on July 19, 2021, by Justice Okon Abang, who dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission after the EFCC presented evidence from 21 witnesses. The court concluded that the defendants had a case to answer and must proceed to open their defence.
Despite contesting that no witness directly implicated them, Nyako and the other defendants were ordered to continue with their defence in the trial.
The matter resumes on July 25 for further updates on the plea bargain process.
