On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Murtala Nyako, a former governor of Adamawa State, and his son Abdulaziz for alleged N29bn fraud.
They had been re-arraigned alongside Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Restricted, Sebore Farms and Extension Restricted, Pagoda Fortunes Restricted, Tower Property Administration Restricted, and Crust Power Restricted.
The defendants were accused of laundering N29 bn in cash. When their pleas were taken, they pleaded not responsible. The EFCC first arraigned them on August 7, 2015, before the late Justice Evoh Chukwu.
The defendants were subsequently re-arraigned on October 17, 2016, earlier than Justice Okon Abang, who is now a choice on the Court docket of Enchantment.
When the matter was referred to on Thursday, counsel for the EFCC, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court docket that the case was commencing afresh because the preliminary two judges who had presided over it were unavailable.
He mentioned, “My Lord, Justice Evoh Chukwu first dealt with the matter the place we referred to as eight witnesses earlier than he died.
“It was then transferred to Justice Okon Abang, who we referred to as 21 witnesses, and our case was closed.
“The defendants, nevertheless, all appealed the case, saying they had no case to reply; however, the Court of Enchantment dismissed their appeals and requested they return to the Federal Excessive Court docket and open their defence.
“Sadly, Justice Abang was elevated to the Court docket of Enchantment, and that’s why we’re earlier than you immediately, My Lord.”
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The trial chose Justice Peter Lifu, who granted his prayer.
After this, the EFCC lawyer reminded the court that the defendants had opted for a plea discount when Justice Abang was presiding over the matter. He also wanted to know if they had changed their minds.
Aondoakaa, nonetheless, mentioned that they requested to amicably settle the matter because of the previous governor’s age.
He mentioned, “Plea discount creates the impression of guilt. The admiral is 81 years old; he’s the age mate of the likes of retired Gen. Badamosi Babangida, and he can’t proceed to be made to face this once more.”
He mentioned the court docket could be duly knowledgeable if progress were made with the try at an amicable settlement.
Justice Lifu subsequently fastened Might 10 and 13 for the graduation of trial.
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