A judge of the Federal High Court in Lagos has set the 8th of May, 2026, to decide whether to strike out the N1.5 billion fraud charges filed against former Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, and his co-defendant, Umar Muhammed Nasko.
Justice Yelim Bogoro fixed the date on Thursday, the 26th of February, 2026, after counsel on both sides adopted their final written submissions.
The charges stem from a petition lodged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Faruk Abdallah appeared for the commission. Y. Kalamu represented Aliyu, while Mamman Mike Ousman, SAN, stood in for Nasko.
The defendants are standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N1,509,791,200.
Opposing the bid to terminate the case, EFCC counsel Abdallah recalled that the accused persons were first arraigned on the 28th of April, 2017.
He told the court that the prosecution called 11 witnesses and submitted several exhibits before closing its case.
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Abdallah said Aliyu lodged his written application on the 18th of December, 2025, adding that the commission had already filed its reply.
Addressing Nasko’s request, he stated: “At the close of the prosecution’s case, the second defendant also opted to make a no-case submission.”
He informed the court that Nasko submitted his written application on the 23rd of November , 2025.
After listening to arguments from both the defence and prosecution, Justice Bogoro adjourned the proceedings and fixed the 8th of May, 2026, for ruling.