Court gavel
Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako until October 16, 2025, to reach an out-of-court settlement in the alleged N29 billion fraud case or face a full trial.
During Friday’s hearing, Justice Peter Lifu expressed frustration over delays in the case, which began in 2015. “This matter, now nearly a decade old, cannot afford further procrastination,” he stated. The directive came after updates from the prosecution, led by Oluwaleke Atolagbe, and the defense, indicating that plea bargain discussions remain inconclusive.
Atolagbe informed the court that negotiations are ongoing and requested additional time to finalize terms. He assured progress but noted that the trial would proceed if no agreement is reached by the next hearing. Nyako’s legal team, along with other defense counsel, confirmed the ongoing talks and supported the adjournment request.
Justice Lifu, however, criticized the frequent delays, saying, “This is not a murder case. If you wish to settle, do so promptly; otherwise, we move forward.” He added, “The prosecution is turning this court into an adjournment hub. I’m granting this extension only to honor Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which encourages settlements.”
The judge set October 16 as the final deadline for either presenting a settlement report or resuming the trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nyako, his son Abdul-Aziz, and several entities—including Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd, Pagado Fortunes Ltd, Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd, and Crust Energy Ltd—face charges of conspiracy and abuse of office involving N29 billion.
The trial, initially launched on July 8, 2015, before Justice Evoh Chukwu, was reset after Chukwu’s death in June 2016, with five witnesses already called by the EFCC.
It restarted before Justice Okon Abang on September 12, 2016, and began anew under Justice Lifu following Abang’s elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2023. (NAN)
