Again, Former Adamawa Governor Nyako and Son Dragged to Court over Alleged N29bn Fraud
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned the former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, and his son
- The duo are being charged with misappropriation of N29 billion in public funds that disappeared from the government purse
- The father and son have begun their defence by pleading not guilty to the charges levelled against them in court
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has once again brought before the court Murtala Nyako, a former governor of Adamawa State, and his son Abdulaziz, on charges of an alleged financial misappropriation amounting to N29 billion.
The re-arraignment also included several associates and companies, namely Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, and corporate entities such as Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms and Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited, and Crust Energy Limited.
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The accused parties, facing allegations of extensive money laundering, collectively entered a plea of not guilty, the PUNCH reported.
This case, which has seen proceedings since August 2015, experienced a fresh start due to the appointment of Justice Okon Abang to the Court of Appeal, following the demise of the initial presiding judge, Justice Evoh Chukwu.
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The legal counsel for the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, addressed the court, highlighting the necessity to recommence the trial as previous judges were no longer available to continue, the Premium Times reported.
Atolagbe recounted the progress made in the case, noting that:
“We had presented eight witnesses under Justice Chukwu’s jurisdiction and an additional 21 witnesses with Justice Abang.
Despite the defendants’ appeal claiming no case to answer, the Court of Appeal directed them to proceed with their defense at the Federal High Court.”
Representing the former governor and his affiliates, Senior Advocate Michael Aondoakaa, according to the Guardian, requested the court to maintain the previously set bail conditions, which was granted by the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu.
Subsequently, the prosecution inquired about the defendants’ earlier interest in a plea bargain, to which Aondoakaa responded, emphasising the desire for a peaceful resolution, especially considering the advanced age of the former governor.
“The notion of a plea bargain implies guilt. At 81, my client shares an age bracket with esteemed peers like retired Gen. Badamosi Babangida and should not be subjected to the rigours of this trial anew,” Aondoakaa stated.
The court has scheduled the trial to commence on May 10 and 13 as all parties prepare to present their cases.
EFCC pressured to drop charges against Yahaya Bello
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the crime commission had been under immense pressure to withdraw all charges against the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.
The Arewa Youth Forum alleged that the people behind the case were political opportunists, describing the charge as laughable.
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Source: Legit.ng
