For The First Time In Nigeria, Court Admits Evidence By Video-Link

Justice Okon Abang

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s application to take its principal witness, one Kobis, who is abroad, via video-link, NAN reports.

It was the first time that a Nigerian court will allow evidence to be given in such a technology-driven way.

Justice Okon Abang, who gave the ruling, adjourned the matter till Nov. 5 for continuation of trial.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Abang had, on Tuesday, reserved ruling on the matter and adjourned till today.

EFCC’s Counsel, Rotimi Jacob, SAN, had made the application before the court to allow the witness to testify via video link in the alleged N40 billion fraud case against former Governor of Adamawa, Murtala Nyako and others.

The EFCC had arraigned the former governor and his son, Sen. Abdulaziz Nyako, along with others, over the allegation N40 billion fraud.

They were arraigned on a 37-count charge bordering on money laundering allegedly perpetrated while Nyako was Adamawa governor.

Others who were arraigned along with them were Zulkifik Abba and Abubakar Aliyu.

Firms allegedly used to perpetrate the fraud which were joined as the 5th to the 9th defendants were Blue Opal Ltd, Pagoda Fortunes Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Crust Energy Ltd.

The defendants were present in court.