A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing on the plea bargain negotiations between former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission until July 25.
The adjournment came as EFCC lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), could not meet with parties to resolve outstanding issues due to the mourning period following former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death.
Jacobs stated, “The AGF had instructed him to request for a short adjournment.” Nyako’s counsel, Mathew Onoja, and other defense lawyers did not object to the application. Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment, noting the court’s recognition of the seven-day mourning period declared by the federal government.
At the previous hearing, Jacobs had informed the court that both parties had begun out-of-court settlement discussions. “By the next adjourned date, both parties should be able to resolve all the details of the settlement,” Jacobs had said. Nyako’s counsel, Michael Aondoaka (SAN), confirmed the negotiations had reached an advanced stage, expressing optimism about an amicable resolution.
The EFCC had charged Nyako, his son Abdulaziz, and two others – Zulkifikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu – with criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office, and money laundering. The commission alleged they diverted over N29 billion from Adamawa State treasury between 2011 and 2014 through five companies: Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited, and Crust Energy Limited.
The anti-graft agency further alleged the defendants used the stolen funds to develop estates in Abuja and placed large sums under the control of Ma’aji Iro, then Regional Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, Northeast Nigeria.
The case followed a January 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that ordered Nyako and his son to enter their defense after dismissing their no-case submission.
