The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing in the plea bargain report involving former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to July 25, 2025. The adjournment followed a request from EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who explained that the Attorney-General of the Federation could not meet with parties due to the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. None of the defence counsel objected, and the judge granted the request, citing the national mourning period.
Nyako and his legal team confirmed that discussions toward an out-of-court settlement were ongoing and had reached an advanced stage. Both sides expressed optimism that the case might be resolved amicably by the next court date. The case had earlier been postponed to allow more time for plea bargain negotiations between the parties.
The EFCC charged Nyako, his son Abdulaziz, and two others with criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office, and money laundering. They allegedly diverted over ₦29 billion from the Adamawa State treasury between 2011 and 2014, using five companies. The stolen funds were reportedly channelled through Zenith Bank and used for private projects such as estate developments in Abuja.
After the EFCC presented 21 witnesses, the defendants argued there was no strong evidence linking them to the crime and filed a no-case submission. However, the trial court and Court of Appeal ruled that a prima facie case had been established, and Nyako and the others were ordered to enter their defence. The next hearing will determine the progress of the ongoing settlement efforts.
