N29bn: How Nyako managed special accounts

A prosecution witness yesterday narrated how former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako operated special accounts between 2008 and 2014.

Nyako was charged on a 37 count of conversion of public funds valued at N29 billion to develop Hill View Estate in Mpape, Abuja through Amdak Investment Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Blue Opal Ltd.

Others charged with him are: his son, Abdulaziz Nyako, and his two aides: Zulfikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd, Pagoda Fortunes Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Crust Energy Ltd.

Mary Momoh, a cashier with Adamawa State Government told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the state government operated two major accounts: Special Services Department (S.S.D) account for government operations and that of ‘Operation Tsaro’, a peace and security programme.

Led in evidence by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Leke Atolagbe, Momoh said the SSD account was managed by Ma’aji Iro, then regional manager with the Zenith Bank PLC, while she was responsible for the preparation of cheques and vouchers in respect of the two accounts.

However, under cross examination by defence counsel Olumide Olujimi, Momoh said all the vouchers raised for ‘Operation Tsaro’ were paid to security agencies and inter-religious bodies in the state.

She admitted that none of the funds were paid to the accounts of Nyako, his sons or companies, adding that the vouchers were signed and approved by all the relevant finance authorities in the state.

The case has been adjourned till today for continuation.