COURT GIVES EFCC, NYAKO UNTIL OCT. 16 TO SETTLE N29BN CASE OUT OF COURT
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Adamawa Governor, Murtala Nyako, until October 16 to either resolve the purported ₦29 billion fraud matter amicably or move forward with a complete trial.
At the reconvened hearing on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu remarked that the matter, initiated in 2015, nearly a decade ago, must no longer endure postponements.
The judge’s declaration followed updates presented by the prosecution, led by Oluwaleke Atolagbe, and the defence counsel.
The updates indicated that neither party has yet to finalize the conditions of the plea agreement they selected.
Atolagbe told the court that meetings were ongoing to resolve the matter and requested for more time fo enable both parties conclude discussions.
He guaranteed the tribunal of advancement, yet stated that the trial would persist if no settlement was achieved by the subsequent postponed date.
Nyako’s legal counsel and additional defense attorneys affirmed that negotiations for a plea agreement were in progress and did not contest the petition for a postponement.
The judge, however, voiced displeasure at the constant adjournments, remarking, “This is not a murder case.”
” If you want to settle, please do so; if not, we proceed.”
“The prosecution is gradually turning this court into an adjournment court.
” I’m only bending backward in line with Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act to promote, facilitate and encourage settlement, ” he said.
The judge held that this was the final extension and fixed Oct. 16 for, either the presentation of a settlement report or continuation of trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nyako is being prosecuted alongside his son, Abdul-Aziz, as well as several companies and individuals, on charges of conspiracy and abuse of office involving ₦29 billion.
Also standing trial with them are two companies: Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd, and Pagado Fortunes Ltd.
Others include Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd, and Crust Energy Ltd.
NAN further reports that the trial, which began on July 8, 2015, before Justice Evoh Chukwu, restarted afresh on Sept. 12, 2016, before Justice Okon Abang.
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