The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing on the plea bargain report between former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, until July 25, 2025.
The decision was reached during proceedings on Friday, following a request for a short adjournment by the EFCC’s lead counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
Jacobs explained that due to the national mourning period declared after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had been unable to finalize discussions with all parties involved in the potential plea bargain. He said the AGF directed him to request the adjournment.
None of the defence counsel opposed the application. Mr. Mathew Onoja, representing Nyako, and other lawyers for the co-defendants, agreed to the adjournment.
Justice Peter Lifu granted the request, acknowledging the seven-day national mourning period and affirming the absence of objections from the defence.
This development follows earlier submissions in court indicating that the EFCC and the defendants were in advanced negotiations to settle the case outside the courtroom.
At the previous hearing, Jacobs and Nyako’s lead counsel, Mr. Michael Aondoaka (SAN), had confirmed that both parties were seriously considering a plea agreement, with expectations that the terms would soon be finalized.
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The charges against Nyako, his son Abdulaziz, and other defendants date back to between 2011 and 2014, during his tenure as governor.
The EFCC accuses them of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office, and laundering over N29 billion allegedly siphoned from the Adamawa State treasury.
According to the EFCC, Nyako and his co-defendants—Zulkifikk Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, and five corporate entities—used shell companies including Blue Opal Ltd, Sebore Farms, Pagoda Fortunes Ltd, Tower Assets Management, and Crust Energy Ltd to divert public funds.
These companies were allegedly used to disguise security funds, which were later redirected to private estate developments in Abuja.
The prosecution further alleged that a then-Regional Manager of Zenith Bank in the North East, Ma’aji Iro, aided the fraudulent scheme by holding and disbursing the illicit funds under the pretext of legitimate financial activities.
After calling 21 witnesses, the EFCC closed its case. The defendants filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to link them directly to the offences.
However, in a ruling delivered on July 19, 2021, Justice Okon Abang rejected their argument and ordered them to open their defence. This decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in January 2022, which ruled that a prima facie case had been established.
The July 25 hearing is expected to reveal whether a final plea deal has been agreed upon or whether the long-running corruption trial will proceed.
NAN
