Fraud: You Have A Case To Answer – Court Tells Nyako

On Monday 19th July 2021, A federal high court sitting in Abuja told former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako that he has a case to answer in the alleged ₦29bn fraud case against him.

Justice Okon Abang told him this when he ruled on the no-case application entered by Nyako and others allegedly involved in the fraud.

Anaedoonline.ng recalls the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had dragged Nyako, his son, Abdulaziz, and seven others to court on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office, and money laundering, allegedly perpetrated while he was a governor in Adamawa State.

LATEST: NAF Finally Confirms Another Military Plane Crash In Nigeria

Other standing trials are Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd, Pagado Fortunes Ltd, Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd, and Crust Energy Ltd.

The EFCC closed its case on November 13, 2019, after calling 21 witnesses and the defendants were expected to open their defence.

They however instead filed a no-case submission, basing their arguments on the fact that the facts adduced by all the witnesses called by the prosecution do not prove the allegation against them.

But delivering judgment on Monday on the no-case application, Justice Abang said the defendants do have a case to answer.

Abang said he has “painstakingly scrutinized the evidence adduced by the 21 witnesses in chief and under cross-examination” including the oral and written arguments of all the defendants.

2023: To Win Elections APC Must Do This – Lukman Explains

“In this ruling, it is my humble but firm view that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants. Therefore, the no-case submission filed by the defendants lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed. The defendants are required to enter their defence immediately,” the judge ruled.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER