The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal against the no-case ruling over alleged ₦4 billion by the Niger State High Court, in favour of former Governor Muazu Aliyu and former state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Tanko Beji.
The Commission had filed a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, abetment and criminal breach of trust before Justice Aliyu Mayaki, who is now retired), against Aliyu, Beji and a former Commissioner for Environment and Chief of Staff to Governor Aliyu, Umar Nasko.
After Mayaki retired, the matter was reassigned to Justice Abdullahi Mukailu and the EFCC called 11 witnesses, tendered over 400 exhibits and closed its case.
However, the three defendants made a no-case submission before the court and Justice Mukailu, on December 7, 2023, ruled in their favour of Aliyu and Beji and directed Nasko to open his defence.
The EFCC, dissatisfied with the ruling, filed a Notice of Appeal dated January 10, 2024.
When the EFCC’s counsel appeared in court on January 15, 2024 to continue the trial of Nasko and without any prior notice, the Attorney General of Niger State, made appearance in court, applying to take over the case from the EFCC.
The Attorney General made another appearance four hours later and entered a nolle prosequi, which Justice Mukailu acted on and discharged Nasko.
In a statement by the spokesperson of the commission, Dele Oyewale on Thursday, however said, “The Commission is proceeding in its appeal against Aliyu and Beji at the Court of Appeal with all its evidence against them.
“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,” the statement reads.
