Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako leave for medical treatment in Germany.
He ordered the Chief Register to release the first and third defendant’s international passport to enable them travel abroad.
Justice Abang said since the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), did not object to the plea of the defence counsel, John Ochogu, he will grant the defendant leave to travel for medical treatment.
Yesterday, Ochogu said: “My lord, we are praying this court to allow the first defendant travel to Germany for urgent medical attention, while the third defendant, Mr. Abba is to travel to the United Kingdom to visit his family.”
Jacobs said he will not oppose the plea as far as it doesn’t interfere with court proceedings
“Their sureties should also be informed of the development before travelling, and the defendants should depose to an affidavit to show they have informed the sureties,” he said.
Justice Abang adjourned till September 26-29 for continuation of trial.
Nyako and his son, Abdulaziz Murtala-Nyako, a senator, are being tried for alleged N40 billion fraud.
They are facing a 37-count of money laundering with two others, Zulkifik Abba and Abubakar Aliyu.
They allegedly stole the funds from Adamawa State treasury between January 2011 and December 2014.