Air force ex-chief, Umar seeks out-of-court settlement

There were indications that former Chief of Air Staff, Mohammed Dikko Umar, has began the process of negotiating with the Federal Government for out-of-court settlement of charges against him.

Umar was arraigned recently on a seven-count charge of money laundering brought against him by the Federal Government.

Dikko had pleaded not guilty and consequently, he was granted bail on self-recognition by Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court while the case was adjourned till yesterday for commencement of trial.

But at the resumed hearing, Counsel to the defendant, Hassan Liman (SAN), informed the court of moves by his client to have the matter settled out of court.

He particularly disclosed that his client had held meetings with officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where discussions were held on the issue.

According to Liman, the first meeting involving the head of legal department of the Commission, the Prosecution Counsel and Dikko, took place on May 31 while the second meeting held on June 3.

Confirming the development, the Prosecution Counsel, Tahir, told the court that he was aware that the defendant had written a letter to the chairman of the commission, seeking “to engage the Federal Government in a discussion over the charge.