The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a decisive step by approaching the Court of Appeal to overturn a no-case ruling granted to a former governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, and the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Tanko Beji. The ruling was issued by Justice Abdullahi Mukailu of the Niger State High Court in Minna on December 7, 2023.
In a statement released by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday in Abuja, it was revealed that the commission had filed a seven-count charge against Beji, Aliyu, and Aliyu’s former Commissioner for Environment and Chief of Staff, Umar Mohammed Nasko, including charges of conspiracy, abetment, and criminal breach of trust. The case was initially assigned to Justice Aliyu Mayaki (now retired) but later reassigned to Justice Abdullahi Mukailu.
The EFCC presented 11 witnesses, submitted over 400 exhibits, and subsequently closed its case. However, the three defendants, Aliyu and Beji, submitted a no-case application, leading to Justice Mukailu granting their prayers on December 7, 2023, and directing Nasko to open his defense.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the EFCC filed a Notice of Appeal dated January 10, 2024, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would address the appeal thoroughly.
In a surprising turn of events on January 15, 2024, the EFCC’s counsel appeared in court to continue Nasko’s trial, only for the Attorney General of Niger State to unexpectedly intervene. Without prior notice, the Attorney General applied to take over the case from the EFCC. Later that day, the Attorney General made another appearance, entering a nolle prosequi, leading to Nasko’s discharge.
Despite these developments, the EFCC remains undeterred, continuing with its appeal against Aliyu and Beji at the Court of Appeal, armed with all the evidence against them. The statement reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of combating economic and financial crimes impartially and without hesitation.
