A former Chief of Air Staff, Mohammed Umar wants an out-of-court settlement in the money laundering charge against him.
Umar is being tried on a seven-count charge bordering on laundering of N4.8 billion, while he was Chief of Air Staff. He had pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by Justice Binta Nyako on self-recognition.
Speaking before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, Umar’s Counsel, Hassan Liman (SAN), informed the court of moves by his client to have the matter settled out of court, as his client held meetings with officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The prosecuting counsel confirmed the development. He said that he was aware that the defendant had written a letter to the chairman of the commission. According to him, in the letter, the defendant was seeking to engage the Federal Government in a discussion over the charge. However, he asked that trial commenced.
Liman disagreed, saying that it would be prejudicial to commence trial. He said this was in view of the ongoing attempt to settle out of court. He urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable them proceed with the out of court settlement in spite of the fact that the matter had been set down for trial.
