The absence of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday again stalled the trial of Abdulrasheed Maina, Chairman, defunct Pension Reform Task Team, for alleged N2 billion money laundering.
The absence of the judge also hindered continuation of other matters, including the alleged N29 billion money laundering charges against former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, scheduled for the day’s proceeding.
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting the former governor, alongside his son, Abdul-Aziz Nyako; two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Limited and Pagado Fortunes Limited.
They are first, second, sixth and seventh defendants respectively in the trial.
Other defendants are Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy Limited as third, fourth, fifth, eighth and ninth defendants respectively.
Although the EFCC had arraigned them on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The News Agency of Nigeria observed that 10 cases were listed for Wednesday’s sitting.
While the case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs. Abdulrasheed Maina and another was the first on the cause list, the Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs. Murtala Nyako and three others was on number eight.
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