Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial Adjourned to May
By Nexio News
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the high-profile money laundering trial against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until May 6, allowing further cross-examination of a key prosecution witness.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the adjournment after defense counsel Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), requested additional time to question Abdullahi Jamilu, the 12th witness presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Key Testimony and Cross-Examination
Jamilu, a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, recounted his initial statement to the EFCC, made on May 10, 2022, to “refresh his memory.” Under cross-examination, he confirmed this was his only official statement to the anti-graft agency regarding the case.
However, discrepancies emerged when Daudu pointed out that certain details—including transactions linked to Wales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, and Aleshua Services—were missing from Exhibit 46, the witness’s original statement. Jamilu admitted these omissions, explaining he was not directly questioned about them at the time.
Legal Maneuvers and Evidence
The defense had earlier objected to the EFCC’s attempt to reintroduce Exhibit 46, but Justice Nwite dismissed the challenge, calling it “speculative and misconstrued.” The prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), proceeded to present Exhibit 47, a set of documents admitted without objection.
Jamilu acknowledged similarities between his testimony in this case and a related trial before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, involving defendants Ali Bello, Abah Adaudu, Yakuba Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyadi Sadat. He confirmed handling dollar transactions for Adaudu, including payments to the American International School Abuja (AISA) for undisclosed students.
Witness Details Financial Transactions
The witness revealed that he often relied on colleagues to facilitate dollar transfers when his own accounts couldn’t process them. He clarified that Wales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, and Aleshua Services were businesses owned by associates in the forex market, not directly tied to him.
Despite forwarding payment receipts (telex advice) to Adaudu, Jamilu noted that two pages in Exhibit 13 (P13 and P14) were unrelated to the school fee transactions.
Next Steps
The trial will resume on May 6 and 7 for further cross-examination of Jamilu. The case, closely watched by anti-corruption advocates, is part of broader EFCC efforts to probe alleged financial misconduct during Bello’s tenure as governor.
— Reported by Nexio News
