By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged money laundering to May 6 and 7, 2026, for the continuation of cross-examination of a key prosecution witness.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the new dates on Friday after proceedings involving the 12th prosecution witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, who is being questioned by the defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN).
During the session, Jamilu informed the court that he made his statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 10, 2022, adding that it was his only statement to the anti-graft agency on the matter.
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that references to Wales Oil and Gas, Forza, and Aleshua were not included in Exhibit 46.
He also confirmed that the names he read out in Exhibit 13 were absent from Exhibit 46 and acknowledged that he was not the maker of Exhibit 13.
The court had earlier dismissed an objection raised by the defence against the EFCC’s attempt to re-present Exhibit 46, describing it as speculative and misconceived.
Jamilu further recalled giving similar testimony before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, though he could not remember his witness number in that proceeding.
He, however, confirmed that the defendants in the earlier case included Ali Bello, Abah Adaudu, Yakuba Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyadi Sadat.
The matter resumes in May for further cross-examination.
