Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an October 16 deadline for former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to either finalize their out-of-court settlement or resume trial in the long-standing N29 billion fraud case.

During Friday's proceedings, the judge expressed frustration over the case's prolonged duration, noting that it has been pending since 2015 and has faced multiple adjournments for settlement negotiations.

"From the court proceedings, the prosecution is gradually turning this court to an adjournment court in spite of the fact that the matter has lingered for ten years. If you want to settle, please do so and if you don't want, let us proceed with trial. It is not a murder case," Justice Lifu remarked.

EFCC counsel Mr. Oluwaleke Atolagbe informed the court that both parties have been meeting to finalize settlement terms but have not yet reached a conclusive agreement. He assured the judge that final resolutions would be achieved before the adjourned date, while indicating that formal trial would commence should settlement efforts fail.

The defense lawyers confirmed ongoing plea bargain discussions and did not object to the adjournment request.

Nyako, who is the husband of Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, faces charges of criminal conspiracy and abuse of office involving N29 billion. His co-defendants include his son Abdul-Aziz, two companies (Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd), as well as Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, and three other companies.

The case has experienced significant procedural delays since its commencement in July 2015. It was first restarted in September 2016 following the death of the original presiding judge, Justice Evoh Chukwu. The trial had to begin anew a second time before Justice Lifu after Justice Okon Abang, who had previously handled the case, was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2023.

Justice Lifu emphasized that he was allowing this final opportunity for settlement in accordance with Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which promotes out-of-court resolutions. However, he made it clear that October 16 would be the "last and final adjournment" for either a settlement report or resumption of trial.

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