No out-of-court settlement for ex-Airforce chief, Dikko Umar

In the trial of former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar for an alleged N7.8billion fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said a plea bargain would be acceptable as against the out of court settlement suggested by Umar’s legal team.

The anti-graft agency wants the plea bargain to include a refund of all the funds allegedly traced to Umar, forfeiture of choice assets to the Federal Government as well as a light sentence to serve as deterrent.

While the EFCC awaits the offers from Umar, it has decided to continue with the trial until both parties reach a convenient junction to sign an agreement.

Umar had applied for an out-of-court settlement of the fraud case against him on Tuesday but the EFCC is still weighing its options.

Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar is on trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja on seven charges which are in violation of Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, as amended.

He is accused of diverting funds from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to buy 6 expensive properties in Abuja, Kano and Kaduna states between September 2010 and December 2012.

Meanwhile, a source at the EFCC told The Nation that it was wrong for Umar to request for an out-of-court settlement.

“We are aware of plans by the ex-Chief of Air Staff for an out-of-court settlement, but as a commission, we will go for plea bargain if he is ready to return all the cash credited or traced to him.”

“When you talk of an out-of-court settlement, it is as if there is a civil disagreement between the EFCC and the ex-Chief of Air Staff.”

“What we have at hand is a criminal matter. The accused person must first of all admit that he committed the offence. So far, by the court records, the ex-Chief of Staff said he is not guilty of all the allegations against him.”

“Let him do the needful and thereafter, he can initiate a plea bargain option which we will consider on merit.”

“A key component of the plea bargain which can be acceptable to the EFCC is the readiness of the ex-Chief of Air Staff to refund all the funds credited or traced to him in cash or in terms of assets.”

“Even if the plea bargain will carry a lighter sentence to serve as a deterrent to others, we prefer it than an out-of-court settlement.”

The source also added, “We are yet to receive the details of proposals. As we await his full offers, we will continue with the trial until we are able to agree on the conditions for a plea bargain.”

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