Court adjourns Nyako, son’s fraud case as defence counsel fails to show up

The trial of former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako and his son for allegedly stealing N29 million before a Federal High Court in Abuja was on Wednesday stalled by the absence of lead defence counsel.

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang adjourned the matter until May 13, May 14 and May 15 for the defence to cross-examine the 20th prosecution witness, Mr Chris Odofin.

At hearing on Wednesday, prosecuting counsel, Mr Oluwaleke Atolagbe told the court that Nyako’s counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi, (SAN) wrote a letter to the prosecution saying that he would be absent in court.

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He maintained the readiness of the prosecution to continue with the matter as witness was present in court but a counsel from the defence team, Mr Bart Ogah objected, requesting for more time to get records of proceedings of the court to enable them prepare to cross examine the witness.

Justice Abang thereafter, adjourned the matter until May 13, May 14 and May 15.

Nyako and his son, Sen. Abdulaziz Nyako, Abubakar Aliyu and Zulkifik Abba are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

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