Court to rule on ex-Niger governor’s N1.5bn fraud case
A Federal High Court in Lagos is set to issue a ruling on May 8, 2026, regarding a motion filed by former Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu and his co-defendant, Umar Muhammed Nasko. The defendants are seeking the dismissal of a fraud case involving allegations of N1.5 billion.
Justice Yelim Bogoro scheduled the ruling date following the presentation of final written arguments from both parties on Thursday. The case stems from a complaint lodged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Faruk Abdallah represented the EFCC, while Y. Kalamu acted on behalf of Aliyu, and Mamman Mike Ousman, SAN, represented Nasko.
Both defendants face eight charges, including conspiracy and money laundering amounting to a total of N1,509,791,200. Abdallah opposed the dismissal motion, reminding the court that the defendants were first arraigned on April 28, 2017. He noted that the prosecution has called 11 witnesses and submitted numerous documents before concluding its case.
Aliyu filed his written application to dismiss the case on December 18, 2025, and the EFCC has submitted its response. Regarding Nasko’s application, Abdallah informed the court that Nasko had submitted a no-case application at the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, with his written request submitted on November 23, 2025.
After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Justice Bogoro adjourned the case until May 8, 2026, when the court will announce its decision.
