By Vivian Okejeme
Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday admitted in evidence, six volumes of documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former governor of Adamawa state, Murtala Nyako.
Nyako, along with his son, Abdul-Aziz Nyako one Abubakar Aliyu and Zulkifikk Abba, are standing trial before Justice Okon Abang, on a 37-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering to the tune of N29 billion.
Five companies that allegedly served as conduit pipes for the illegal diversion of the funds, Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy Limited, were equally charged before the court.
The documents, which comprised of payment vouchers from the Office of the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, were tendered through the state’s Chief Executive Officer, Accounts, Adamu Yahaya.
Yahaya, who is the 10th prosecution witness, had on May 17, 2017 told the court that he “took records of payments made on the approval of the governor and reported the same to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, between 2008 and 2014”.
The bundle of documents showing copies of payment vouchers from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were tendered and admitted in evidence as exhibits.
The matter was adjourned to June 20 for continuation of trial.
