ALLEGED N29bn FRAUD: Court admits evidence from 20th witness against Nyako

Fresh evidence was on Monday admitted against a former governor of Adamawa, Murtala Nyako who is standing trial in a N29 billion fraud suit filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Federal High Court, Abuja admitted in evidence, documents tendered by the 20th prosecution witness, Chris Odofin.

Some of the documents admitted in evidence include a certified true copy of a document captured ‘Blue Opal Nigeria Limited and Blue Opal sales details.

Odofin, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, told the court that in the course of investigating the case, Mohammed Maji-Iro and Abdulmalik Dalhatu were invited by the commission to give statements, but that they both died before the matter was charged to court.

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He also told the court that Kobis Ari-Thumnu, former Secretary to the State Government of Adamawa and Mahmud Nyako also made statements to the EFCC, but when the matter was charged to court, all efforts to reach them were futile.

The defence counsel in court led by Mr. Ibrahim Isiaku (SAN) prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable them prepare to cross examine the witness.

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang adjourned the matter until April 10 for the defence to cross-examine Odofin

Nyako is being prosecuted alongside his sons, Sen. Abdul-Aziz Nyako, Abubakar Aliyu and Zulkifikk Abba on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

Five companies, Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy Limited, were equally charged before the court as the 5th to 9th defendants.

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