Leadership / Nigeria: Despite agreeing to negotiate his trial with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the anti-graft body has said that it will proceed with the trial of a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Dikko Umar (rtd).
Umar is standing trial before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over alleged diversion of about N4.8 billion belonging to the Nigerian Air force.
During the trial yesterday, his counsel, Mr. Hassan Liman, a senior advocate, told the court that he is dialoguing with the commission with a view to settle the allegation preferred against him by the federal government out of court.
At the last adjourned date Umar had pleaded not guilty to the seven count charge slammed on him by the federal government and was consequently admitted to bail on self recognizance.
Liman informed the court that the defence had two meetings with the officials of the EFCC including its legal department.
and that the prosecuting counsel Tahir Sylvanus, also attended one of the meeting which was geared on the possibility of resolving the matter out of court.
According to Liman, flowing from the meeting which was held on May 31,2016, a formal letter was written to the Federal government on June 6, in respect of the charges and added that in view of the development, proceeding with the trial will be prejudicial.
