The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to May 6 and May 7, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
Trial judge, Emeka Nwite, fixed the new dates to allow defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), conclude the cross-examination of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s 12th prosecution witness, Abdullahi Jamilu.
During the hearing, the witness told the court that he made only one statement to the EFCC on May 10, 2022, which he relied upon to refresh his memory. Under cross-examination, he admitted that issues relating to Wales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas and Aleshua Services were not contained in Exhibit 46, his initial statement.
Jamilu also confirmed that names listed in Exhibit 13 were not included in Exhibit 46 and that he was not the maker of Exhibit 13.
Earlier, Justice Nwite dismissed the defence’s objection to the EFCC’s bid to re-present Exhibit 46, describing the objection as speculative and misconstrued.
The witness further recalled giving similar testimony in a related matter before Obiora Egwuatu, involving defendants including Ali Bello, Abah Adaudu, Yakuba Siyaka Adabenege and Iyadi Sadat. He acknowledged that the transactions in both cases were essentially the same.
Additional documents were tendered and admitted as Exhibit 47 without objection.
Explaining his role in the transactions, Jamilu said he relied on colleagues to facilitate dollar transfers when his account could not directly process such payments. He added that instructions to transfer funds to the American International School Abuja were given by Abba Adaudu, and that all payments were successfully completed with receipts forwarded accordingly.
However, he pointed out discrepancies in Exhibit 13, noting that some documents were not part of the records he submitted for the school fee payments.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 6 and May 7, 2026, for continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution witness.
2026-04-24