A former governor of Adamawa State, MurtalaNyako, has opted for an out-of-court settlement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a N29 billion alleged fraud case.

The EFCC arraigned Mr Nyako in 2015.

When the matter was called on Friday, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that both parties were in discussions to ensure an amicable settlement.

“By the next adjourned date, we should be able to resolve all the details of the settlement so that my lordship can dispose of this matter.

“If we get a week’s adjournment, we will be able to resolve this,” Mr Jacobs said.

Counsel to Mr Nyako, Michael Aondoaka (SAN), also confirmed that discussions had reached an advanced stage for an out-of-court settlement.

“I am positive that this matter will be resolved amicably,” Mr Aondoaka said.

Following the consent of other counsel, Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter until July 18 for a settlement report.

Mr Aondoakaa had clarified when the idea of the out-of-court settlement first came up that it was not exactly a plea bargain but more about “settling the matter amicably”, particularly considering the former governor’s age.

According to him, a plea bargain creates the impression of guilt. The admiral is 81 years old; he is the age mate of the likes of retired Gen. Badamosi Babangida, and he cannot continue to be made to face this again.

The EFCC is trying Mr Nyako, his son, and other co-defendants on 37 counts of money laundering to the tune of N29 billion.

Others being prosecuted are two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd, as well as Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd, and Crust Energy Ltd.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants diverted funds from the Adamawa treasury between January 2011 and December 2014.

They allegedly used companies as conduit pipes to illegally divert the funds running into billions, which they converted into private accounts and moved to Abuja, where they used it to build private estates.

The trial has been on for 10 years, beginning on July 8, 2015, before Justice Evoh Chukwu.

The trial, however, started afresh on September 12, 2016, before Justice Okon Abang, following the demise of Mr Chukwu on June 8, 2016, after the prosecution had already called five witnesses.

The trial had to start afresh before Justice Lifu, following the elevation of Mr Abang to the Court of Appeal, after the prosecution had called 21 witnesses.

(NAN)