By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to May 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination of the 12th prosecution witness.
The witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, told the court during proceedings that he made his initial statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 10, 2022, adding that it was the only statement he provided to the agency on the matter.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Jamilu said certain companies mentioned during testimony, including Wales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, and Aleshua Services, were not contained in Exhibit 46, his earlier statement to the EFCC.
He also admitted that some names listed in Exhibit 13 were not reflected in Exhibit 46, explaining that he was not specifically asked about them during his statement.
Justice Nwite had earlier dismissed an objection by the defence to the EFCC’s attempt to re-present Exhibit 46, describing the objection as speculative and misconceived.
During further testimony, Jamilu acknowledged giving similar evidence in a previous case before another judge of the Federal High Court and confirmed that the transactions referenced were related.
He told the court that he relied on colleagues to facilitate dollar transfers due to limitations on his personal accounts and that he often agreed on exchange rates with them for such transactions.
The witness also stated that payments to the American International School were made on the instruction of Abba Adaudu, though he could not recall the name of Adaudu’s associate involved in the transaction.
He confirmed that all transfers were completed successfully and that he forwarded payment receipts to Adaudu.
However, he noted discrepancies in some documents shown to him in court, saying certain exhibits did not form part of the payment records he tendered.
After reviewing the testimonies and exhibits, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to May 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.
