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Judge Peter Lifu from the Federal High Court, Abuja, has given the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, until October 16 to resolve the fraud case ₦ 29 billion allegedly outside the court or continue with full trial.
The judge, who gave an order to the hearing that was continued on Friday, said the case was submitted in 2015, no longer suffered a delay.
The Lifu Judge Declaration follows the update presented by the prosecution, led by Oluwaleke Atolagbe, and legal advisers.
The update shows that both parties have not yet completed the bargaining provisions -the defense they chose.
Atolagbe told the court that the meeting was ongoing to resolve this problem and ask more time to allow both parties to conclude the discussion about this problem.
He convinced the progress court, but said that the trial would continue if no resolution was achieved on the next postponed date.
Nyako’s legal team and other defense lawyers confirmed that bargaining talks were ongoing and did not oppose requests for delays.
The judge, however, voiced displeasure in a constant delay, saying: “This is not a murder case.
“If you want to be satisfied, please do it; if not, we continue.
“The prosecution gradually changed the court into a delay court.
“I only bowed back in line with part 17 of the Federal High Court Law to promote, facilitate, and encourage settlement.”
Also read: ‘Any decision against me by Judge Nyako is canceled and canceled,’ Kanu said
The judge believes that this is the final extension and is set by October 16 for, both the presentation of the settlement report or the continuation of the trial.
EFCC charged Nyako, his son, Abdul-Aziz, and other defendants for alleged ₦ 29 billion fraud.
The remaining defendants are – Sebore Farms and Extension Limited, Pagado Fortunes Limited, Zulkifik ABBA, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Limited, Tower Asset Management Limited, and Crust Energy Limited.
