ABUJA — 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) to July 25, 2025.
The adjournment followed a request by EFCC’s lead counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had been unable to meet with relevant parties due to the national mourning period declared following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Jacobs noted that discussions on the settlement terms had not yet been finalized, and the AGF had directed him to request a short adjournment to allow time for proper consultations. None of the defence lawyers, including Mr. Mathew Onoja and representatives of other defendants, opposed the request.
Presiding Judge, Justice Peter Lifu, granted the adjournment, citing the government’s official mourning period as a valid reason. “In view of the seven-day mourning declared by the Federal Government, the matter is adjourned until July 25,” he ruled.
The case, which has spanned several years, involves allegations that Nyako, his son Abdulaziz, and two other defendants—Zulkifikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu—conspired to divert over N29 billion from the Adamawa State treasury between 2011 and 2014. The EFCC alleged the funds were funneled through five companies: Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited, and Crust Energy Limited.
Investigations revealed that the defendants allegedly used a former Zenith Bank manager, Ma’aji Iro, to illegally manage and withdraw funds disguised as security expenditures. These funds were reportedly used to finance private real estate projects in Abuja.
Although the defendants challenged the prosecution’s case, the Court of Appeal in January 2022 dismissed their appeal against the trial court’s refusal of a no-case submission. The appellate court held that the EFCC had presented enough evidence to warrant a full defence.
With discussions now focused on an out-of-court settlement, legal observers are keen to see whether the July 25 hearing will bring a final resolution to the high-profile money laundering trial.
