In a significant legal development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken the initiative to challenge the no-case ruling granted to former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, and former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Niger State, Tanko Beji. This move comes following a ruling by Justice Abdullahi Mukailu of the Niger State High Court in Minna on December 7, 2023, where the two defendants were granted a no-case verdict.
The EFCC had initially filed a seven-count charge against Aliyu, Beji, and former Commissioner for Environment and Chief of Staff to Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Umar Mohammed Nasko, before Justice Aliyu Mayaki (now retired). The case was later reassigned to Justice Abdullahi Mukailu, who oversaw the proceedings.
During the trial, the EFCC presented a robust case, calling 11 witnesses and submitting over 400 exhibits before concluding its case. However, Aliyu and Beji submitted a no-case application, leading to Justice Mukailu granting their request on December 7, 2023. Notably, Nasko was directed to open his defense.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling, the EFCC promptly filed a Notice of Appeal on January 10, 2024, asserting that a prima facie case had indeed been established against Aliyu and Beji. The anti-corruption agency remains optimistic that the Court of Appeal will thoroughly consider its appeal.
In a surprising turn of events on January 15, 2024, during a scheduled court appearance to continue the trial of Umar Mohammed Nasko, the EFCC’s counsel was confronted with an unforeseen development. The Attorney General of Niger State appeared in court without prior notice, presenting an application to assume control of the case from the EFCC. Subsequently, four hours later, the Attorney General entered a nolle prosequi, leading to the discharge of Nasko.
Despite this unexpected turn, the EFCC remains undeterred. The Commission is determined to pursue its appeal against Babangida Aliyu and Tanko Beji at the Court of Appeal, presenting all relevant evidence in its possession. Emphasizing its commitment to its mandate of combating economic and financial crimes without bias, the EFCC will persist in discharging its duties diligently. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, and the outcome at the appellate level will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of this high-profile case.
