The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the high-profile corruption case involving former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, and his son over the alleged diversion of ₦29 billion public funds, following a plea bargain discussion with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At Friday’s proceedings, EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), could not finalize outstanding settlement issues due to the national mourning period declared after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Jacobs requested a short adjournment, which was not opposed by Nyako’s legal team or other defence counsel. Justice Peter Lifu subsequently postponed the case to July 25, noting the judicial recognition of the seven-day mourning.
The case had earlier shown signs of an out-of-court resolution. Both parties confirmed that plea bargain negotiations had reached an “advanced stage,” raising speculation of a possible soft landing for the embattled former governor.
Nyako, his son Abdulaziz, and others are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering, and stealing over ₦29 billion from the Adamawa State treasury between 2011 and 2014, funnelling the funds through five companies allegedly used as fronts.
The EFCC also accused them of laundering the money by investing in real estate across Abuja and channeling public funds through a Zenith Bank manager for private use. A 2022 ruling by the Court of Appeal had earlier dismissed their no-case submissions, affirming that they had questions to answer.
The next hearing will now determine whether the plea deal proceeds — or whether full criminal prosecution resumes.
