The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has approached the Court of Appeal to set aside a no-case ruling granted a former Governor of Niger State, Dr, Muazu Babangida Aliyu and former Chairman, People’s Democratic Party, Niger State, Tanko Beji by Justice Abdullahi Mukailu of the Niger State High Court sitting in Minna, on December 7, 2023.
Penpushing reports that Head, Media and Publicity of the commission, Dele Oyewale in a statement said the agency had filed a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, abetment and criminal breach of trust before Justice Aliyu Mayaki(now retired) against Aliyu, Beji and a former Commissioner for Environment and Chief of Staff to Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Umar Mohammed Nasko.
The statement issued by Head Media and Publicity added that the matter was later reassigned to Justice Abdullahi Mukailu and the commission called 11 witnesses and tendered over 400 exhibits and closed its case.
Penpushing further reports that Oyewale said the three defendants, however, made a no-case submission before the court adding that the judge on December 7, 2023, granted the prayers in favour of Aliyu and Beji and directed Nasko to open his defence.
The statement stated that the agency dissatisfied with the ruling of judge on Aliyu and Beji regarding their no-case submission, and fully persuaded that a prima facie case had been established against them, filed a notice of appeal dated January 10, 2024.
Penpushing also reports that Oyewale in the statement boasted that the commission was optimistic that the Court of Appeal would do justice to the appeal, recalling that surprisingly, on January 15, 2024, when the commission’s counsel appeared in court to continue the trial of Nasko and without any prior notice, the Attorney General of Niger State made an appearance in court with an application to take over the case from the agency.
‘Not done yet, the AG made another appearance four hours later and entered a nolle prosequi which His Lordship acted on and discharged Nasko. For the EFCC, the road has not closed. The Commission is proceeding in its appeal against Aliyu and Beji at the Court of Appeal with all its evidence against them’, he emphasised.
Penpushing reports that Head Media and Publicity in the statement declared that the commission will continue to discharge its duties in line with its mandate of tackling all forms of economic and financial crimes, without fear or favour.
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