Niger Discontinues N3bn Corruption Case Against Nasko

Niger State government has discontinued prosecution of a case of alleged conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and conversion of N3 billion against two-time Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Umar Mohammed Nasko.

The development came a few hours after it took over the case from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This is sequel to the discharge of the former governor of the state, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and the state PDP chairman Tanko Beji in December 2023 by the state High Court II on the same case.

Consequently, the only respondent remaining in the case, Umar Mohammed Nasko, was expected to enter his defence yesterday but the chamber of the attorney-general and commissioner for justice applied to take over the prosecution of the case from the EFCC.

This was contained in the application before the court dated 8th January 2024 and filed 10th January 2024.

The counsel to the EFCC Abdullah Farouk opposed the application and requested time to address the court on it. The request was opposed by the counsel to the respondent Mike Momoh Osman (SAN) and the attorney-general of the state Nasir Muazu citing section 211 (1b) of the constitution as amended.

The EFCC counsel after a short stand down withdrew his objection and submitted that he had no option than doing so, adding that whatever happens the course of ensuring justice is done in accordance with the criminal justice system.

Based on the development, Justice Abdullahi Mika’ilu of the Niger State High Court II granted the application of the state government.

A few hours after the court resumed, the attorney-general applied to discontinue the case which was granted by the court.