Court To Continue Nyako’s Trial During Vacation

By Victor Ernest

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has given an order for the continuation of the trial of former Adamawa state governor Murtala Nyako during the court’s long annual vacation.

Federal High Courts in Nigeria will proceed on annual long vacation from July 11 to September 9.

Justice Abang gave the order on Tuesday after counsel in the matter agreed to sit during the court’s vacation.

Nyako and his son, Sen. Abdulaziz Murtala-Nyako, are standing trial over alleged N40 billion fraud.

Father and son are facing a 37-count money laundering charge alongside two others, Zulkifik Abba and Abubakar Aliyu.

They allegedly diverted the funds from the Adamawa treasury between January 2011 and December 2014.

Criminal matter

”This is a criminal matter and so the court can hear a criminal matter during vacation if parties agree,” Abang said.

He added that moreover, the Supreme Court had ruled that hearing in criminal matters should not be delayed.

All the defence counsel also agreed to sit during the vacation and the judge adjourned the matter until July 26.