FormerGovernor of Adamawa State, Rear Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd), has opted for an out-of-court settlement in the N29 billion fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since 2015.

Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that both parties were in discussions to resolve the matter amicably.

“We believe that by the next adjourned date, we should be able to resolve all details of the settlement for the court to dispose of the case,” Jacobs told the court, requesting a one-week adjournment.

Counsel to Nyako, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoaka (SAN), confirmed that talks had reached an advanced stage and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved out of court. Aondoaka, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, assured the court of progress.

Justice Peter Lifu, who is currently handling the trial, then adjourned the matter to July 18 for both parties to file a report on the settlement.

Admiral Nyako, husband to Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, is being prosecuted by the EFCC alongside his son, Abdul-Aziz, for criminal conspiracy and abuse of office to the tune of N29 billion.

Also standing trial with them 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 trial, which began on July 8, 2015 before the late Justice Evoh Chukwu, was restarted on September 12, 2016 before Justice Okon Abang following Justice Chukwu’s death. It restarted again before Justice Lifu after Justice Abang’s elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2023.