– The trial of the former governor of Adamawa state Murtala Nyako was on Wednesday, January 23, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja
– The trial was stalled due to the absence of the prosecution witness
– The witness a staff of Zenith Bank Plc was said to be on a casual leave
Former governor Murtala Nyako, his son Abdulaziz and two others are facing a N40 billion fraud case
The trial of the former governor of Adamawa state Murtala Nyako was on Wednesday, January 23, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the absence of the prosecution witness.
At the resumed trial, the absence of Olabode Fayinola, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s witness prevent the hearing on the admissibility of documents tendered by the prosecution.
The counsel to the EFCC, Leke Atolagbe, told the court that the witness, a staff of Zenith Bank Plc was on casual leave and would be resuming on February 13.
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Atolagbe also prayed the court to proceed with matter irrespective of the witness’s absence.
However, the judge over the matter, Okon Abang overruled the prosecution’s plea for continuation of trial for lack of substance.
Abang said since the witness failed to appear in court there would not be any
He said the witness’s absence will not afford the defence the opportunity to object or support the admissibility of the documents tendered as evidence.
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In agreement, Ibrahim Ishiaku who held brief for Nyako’s counsel, Kanu Agabi and S. Y Maikyau obliged.
Justice Abang further vacated the remaining days earlier scheduled for the admissibility of the evidence and continuation of trial.
He ruled that the matter be adjourned for February 20 to 24 for the admissibility of the document and continuation of trial.
Nyako and his son Abdulaziz who is currently a senator are facing trial over a N40 billion fraud.
The duo were accused of money laundering, criminal abuse of power, mismanagement of Adamawa state fund during Nyako’s tenure as governor of the state.
They are facing a 37-count charge slammed on them and two others Zulkifik Abba and Abubakar Aliyu by the EFCC.
360naze
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