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N29bn fraud: Ex-governor Nyako, EFCC consider out-of-court settlement

Published

5 months ago

July 12, 2025

Murtala Nyako

N29bn fraud: Ex-governor Nyako, EFCC consider out-of-court settlement

A former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, 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.

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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.

N29bn fraud: Ex-governor Nyako, EFCC consider out-of-court settlement

(NAN)

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

9 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

9 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.