EFCC vs Nyako: Court Adjourns ₦29 Billion Case As Plea Deal Negotiations Drag On

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has postponed the hearing in the high-profile fraud case involving former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, over an alleged ₦29 billion embezzlement. The adjournment, now scheduled for July 25, comes amid ongoing plea bargain discussions between Nyako and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to iReporter Online, the delay was prompted by the unavailability of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

During the Friday session, EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed Justice Peter Lifu that the Attorney-General had been unable to meet with other parties to finalize terms for an out-of-court settlement. Jacobs explained that with the federal government observing a seven-day national mourning period, key stakeholders could not proceed with scheduled discussions. The defence team, including lawyer Mathew Onoja representing Nyako, raised no objection, and the court granted the requested adjournment.

The EFCC initially filed charges against Nyako, his son Abdulaziz, and associates Zulkifikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu. The agency accused the group of laundering ₦29 billion between 2011 and 2014 while Nyako served as governor. According to iReporter Online, the prosecution claimed the funds were funnelled through five front companies—Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited, and Crust Energy Limited—to disguise their illicit origin. These funds were allegedly diverted under the guise of security allocations and later laundered into real estate ventures in Abuja.

The EFCC further stated that Ma’aji Iro, a Zenith Bank Regional Manager at the time, helped orchestrate cash withdrawals in tranches, aiding the concealment of public funds for private gain. These actions, according to the anti-graft body, violate Sections 15(2)(a) & (6) and are punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

In earlier proceedings, the Court of Appeal had ruled in January 2022 that Nyako and his co-accused must face trial, dismissing their appeals and confirming that a prima facie case had been established. This followed Justice Okon Abang’s July 2021 order compelling the defendants to open their defence after 21 witnesses testified for the prosecution.

Speaking to the court, Nyako’s legal representative Michael Aondoaka (SAN) said negotiations on a settlement were progressing well and expressed hope for a resolution by the next hearing date. According to iReporter Online, both parties remain committed to avoiding prolonged litigation, with growing optimism that the matter may be settled amicably before the next appearance in court.