Alleged money laundering: Court orders Nyako, son, others to enter defence

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ruled that Murtala Nyako (rtd) have a case to answer in the alleged N29 billion money laundering charge levelled against him by the federal government.

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), is prosecuting the former governor and his son, Abdul-Aziz, two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd, on a 37-count charge of money laundering, criminal conspiracy, stealing and abuse of office.

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, in the ruling on the no-case submission filed by the former Adamawa governor, his son Abdul-Aziz and others, ordered the defendants to enter their defence in the matter.

The judge held that the no-case submission filed by the defendants lacked merit and he accordingly dismissed it.

In his ruling, the court held that he carefully considered the legal arguments of all the counsel for the defendants, their written and oral arguments and the argument of the prosecution and the testimonials of all witnesses presented, in his ruling.

Aligning with the prosecution,  Justice Abang maintained that the agency established a prima facie case against the defendants.

“I have calmly, carefully and painstakingly scrutinised the evidence adduced by the 21 witnesses in chief and under cross-examination including the oral and written arguments of all the defendants.

“I have again carefully and painstakingly considered the evidence of the 21 witnesses and the massive documentary evidence and the extrajudicial statements of the defendants.

“It is my humble but firm view that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants and they are required to enter their defence immediately.

The other defendants are Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Crust Energy Ltd.

The matter is adjourned until Oct. 4, Oct. 5, Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 for the defendants to open their case.