By Ayomide Otitoju
Defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that granting Bello permission to travel abroad without lifting the red notice was contradictory, describing it as “giving with one hand and taking away with the other.” He made the submission after Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, lead prosecution counsel, noted that their application to vacate the previous order allowing Bello to travel was intended for his own good.
Presiding judge Justice Emeka Nwite said he would critically examine the issues before making a ruling and subsequently adjourned the trial to April 22, 23, 24, and May 6 and 7 for continuation.
The development follows testimony from prosecution witnesses in the high-profile case. The 10th witness, Mahmoud Abdulazeez, a staffer at Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited, maintained that Bello’s name was not linked to any transactions presented before the court, and that he had not participated in or witnessed the transactions in question.
The 11th witness, legal practitioner James Igbakule, testified regarding a property in Wuse 2 District, Abuja, confirming he had no dealings with Bello. The 12th witness, Bureau De Change operator Jemilu Abdullahi, confirmed transactions with companies mentioned in the trial but denied any direct involvement with the former governor.
Justice Nwite previously admitted documents submitted by the EFCC, including an Irrevocable Power of Attorney and a deed of assignment, ruling that their purpose was to establish the existence of transactions rather than prove title to the properties. The court also awarded costs associated with objections raised by the defence during the admissibility proceedings.
The trial continues as the court prepares to examine further witnesses and evidence in the coming sittings.
