A Federal High Court in Abuja has set December 8 for the continuation of the trial of Nicholas Mutu, a serving member of the House of Representatives, who is facing charges of alleged ₦320 million fraud involving the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Mutu, who was previously the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is standing trial alongside Airworld Technologies Limited and Oyen Homes on a 13-count charge relating to money laundering and gratification.
Charges were brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuses defendants of obtaining illicit financial benefits while overseeing NDDC activities.
At Thursday's proceedings, Mutu's lawyer, Pin Egwuatu, informed the court that although the case was scheduled to continue with the testimony of defense witnesses, the defense team had opted to rely on the testimony already given and close its defence.
Egwuatu also told the court that he had a scheduled medical appointment and therefore he asked for at least 30 days to prepare and file his written address.
The presiding judge, F Giwa-Ogunbanjo, gave both the prosecution and defense 30 days to file their written addresses and an additional 10 days to file a reply if necessary.
The court later adjourned the case to December 8, 2025 for adoption of written addresses by both the parties.
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The case against Mutu and his co-defendants stems from allegations that, during his tenure as Chairman of the NDDC Oversight Committee, he received various monetary benefits amounting to ₦320 million through two companies in violation of the law.
The EFCC says such actions are an abuse of office and a violation of sections of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the adjournment in a statement issued on Thursday, reiterating the commission's commitment to taking the matter to its logical conclusion.
