Alleged N29bn Fraud: Court Grants Nyako’s request to travel abroad

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama
Abuja, on Tuesday granted an application by a former governor of
Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, seeking the release of his travelling
documents to enable him travel to Germany for medical check-up.

Moving the application dated September 20, Ibrahim Isiyaku,
representing the 4th and 8th defendants, urged the court to grant
the application on health grounds.

Responding, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, who raised no
objection to the application said, “the defendant has never made
such application and as such I have no reason to object.”

Justice Abang granted the application and directed the Chief
Registrar of the Court to release Mr Nyako’s international passport
for renewal to enable him travel for medical check-up

The judge, however, added that Nyako should ensure that “he is
back in the country on or before December 30, 2018”, upon which he
shall re-submit his traveling documents to the court.

Earlier, Mr Jacobs had informed the court that the matter was
for continuation of hearing of the PW20, adding that the said
witness was unavoidably absent in court. He asked the court for
another date to present the witness.

Mr Isiyaku, who held brief for Mr Nyako’s counsel, Kanu Agabi,
did not oppose the application.

Justice Abang granted the prosecution’s prayer and adjourned to
October 25 for continuation of hearing.

Mr Nyako is facing trial in a N29 billion fraud charge preferred
against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC.

He is being prosecuted alongside his son, 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 that allegedly served as conduit pipes for
illegal diversion of the funds- Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms and
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.