Nyako’s directives on disbursement of funds not documented –Witness

Mr Chris Odofin, a prosecution witness on Monday in Abuja, told a Federal High Court that instructions given by the former governor of Adamawa state, Murtala Nyako, on disbursement of funds were not documented. Nyako is facing a 37-count charge alongside his son, Sen. Abdullaziz Nyako, Abukakar Aliyu and Zulkifik Abba, bordering on criminal conspiracy, […]

Mr Chris Odofin, a prosecution witness on Monday in Abuja, told a Federal High Court that instructions given by the former governor of Adamawa state, Murtala Nyako, on disbursement of funds were not documented.

Nyako is facing a 37-count charge alongside his son, Sen. Abdullaziz Nyako, Abukakar Aliyu and Zulkifik Abba, bordering on criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

Odofin, an investigative officer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said this during cross examination by the defence counsel, Mr Ibrahim Isiaku,SAN.

The witness also disagreed that the anti graft agency only concentrated its investigations on the Special Services Department (SSD).

He said the Commission had invited the Permanent Secretary of SSD, Ibrahim Gidado, as well as the Secretary to State Government, Ibrahim Emmanuel, for questioning.

“They were both witnesses,’’ he said.

Odofin further said Gidado and Emmanuel initiated memos which were sent to Nyako for approval.

He said,“ Nyako minuted on the memos and payments were made after the approvals.

“After the approval, the same memos came back to the two Permanent Secretaries who eventually raised the cheques.

Odofin told the court that he was not aware of any memo in which the defendant advised that payment should not be made.

Justice Okon Abang adjourned hearing until June 17 and 18 for the continuation of trial. (NAN)