By Uche Amunike
A former governor of Adamawa state, Murtala Nyako, has faced re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Thursday, alongside his son, Abdulaziz, for alleged fraud of N29 billion.
Also re-arraigned with them where Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms and Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited, and Crust Energy Limited.
They were accused of money laundering that announced to N29 billion. Their pleas were taken and they all pleaded Not Guilty.
Recall that the first time the EFCC arraigned them, was on August 7, 2015, before the Late Justice Evoh Chukwu. They were however subsequently re-arraigned on October 17, 2016, before Justice Okon Abang, who is now a Judge at the Court of Appeal.
When the case was called on Thursday, the lawyers representing the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, told the court that the case was starting afresh as the result of the unavailability of the first two judges who had presided over it.
He stated that the first Judge to handle it, Justice Evoh Chukwu, handled the case and eight witnesses were called before he died. His words: ‘My Lord, Justice Evoh Chukwu first handled the matter where we called eight witnesses before he died.’
‘It was then transferred to Justice Okon Abang where we called 21 witnesses and closed our case.’
‘The defendants, however, all appealed the case, saying they had no case to answer but the Court of Appeal dismissed their appeals and asked them to return to the Federal High Court and open their defence.’
‘Unfortunately, Justice Abang was elevated to the Court of Appeal and that is why we are before you today My Lord.’
Counsel representing Murtala Nyako, his son, Abdulaziz and their companies, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), prayed the court to admit his clients to bail on the earlier conditions stated by the court. His prayer was granted by the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu.
Shortly after, the EFCC lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, reminded the court that the defendants already opted for a plea bargain during the time that Justice Abang was presiding over the matter. Therefore, he asked that he would like to know if they had not changed their minds.
In response, Aondoakaa explained that what they asked for was to peacefully settle the matter as a result of the age of the former governor. His words: ‘Plea bargain creates the impression of guilt. The admiral is 81 years old; he is the age mate of the likes of retired Gen. Badamosi Babangida and he cannot continue to be made to face this again.’
He further explained that the court would be properly informed if there was any progress made with their attempts at peaceful settlement.
Eventually, May 10 and May 13 were fixed by Justice Lifu for the beginning of the trial.
Recall that the EFCC is prosecuting Murtala Nyako, his son and his companies on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering and stealing.
