The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned the alleged money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until May 6 for continuation of trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date to allow defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, continue the cross-examination of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 12th prosecution witness, Abdullahi Jamilu.
During proceedings, Jamilu told the court he made his initial statement to the EFCC on May 10, 2022, and said it was the only statement he made in relation to the matter.
He admitted under cross-examination that issues relating to Wales Oil and Gas, Forza, and Aleshua were not contained in Exhibit 46. He also confirmed that the names listed in Exhibit 13 (Pages 1–13) were not included in Exhibit 46, and acknowledged that he was not the maker of Exhibit 13.
The witness further stated that he had given similar testimony in another case before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Abuja, but could not recall his exact witness number when questioned.
Justice Nwite had earlier dismissed an objection from the defence against the EFCC’s attempt to re-present Exhibit 46, ruling that the objection was “speculative and misconstrued.”
Under cross-examination, Jamilu confirmed that he had previously testified in relation to transactions involving the same set of allegations, and that he used the same dollar transfer arrangements due to limitations on his own accounts.
He explained that he relied on colleagues in the Bureau De Change (BDC) market to facilitate dollar transfers, agreeing on exchange rates when necessary.
According to him, instructions for payment to the American International School Abuja (AISA) were given by one Adaudu, who came with an associate whose name he could not recall.
He said all transfers were successfully executed and telex advice documents were forwarded to Adaudu after completion of payments.
During re-examination by EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the witness also said he had handed over dollars to a police officer, Ali, on behalf of Abba Adaudu, and confirmed that the companies mentioned were linked to colleagues in the BDC market.
However, he noted inconsistencies in some documents, pointing out that certain pages in Exhibit 13 were not part of the payment records he tendered.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter to May 6 and May 7 for continuation of the cross-examination of the witness.
