By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned ruling on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking permission to re-present an exhibit to its witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The judge fixed April 24 for ruling after hearing arguments from EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), and defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), over the admissibility of the application involving Exhibit 46, a statement earlier made by prosecution witness Abdullahi Jamilu.
The development arose after inconsistencies emerged between the witness’s oral testimony and his earlier written statement to the anti-graft agency, which had already been admitted as evidence in court.
During proceedings, Pinheiro sought to show the witness his previous statement to refresh his memory regarding financial transactions linked to the case. However, the defence objected, arguing that the prosecution was attempting to contradict its own witness without first seeking to declare him hostile.
Daudu maintained that the EFCC must obtain the court’s leave before confronting the witness with prior statements, citing provisions of the Evidence Act and relevant legal authorities.
Pinheiro, however, argued that the document was being used solely to refresh the witness’s memory regarding events that occurred in 2022, insisting that his application was in line with legal procedure.
After listening to both parties, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to rule on whether the prosecution could proceed with re-presenting the exhibit and to continue hearing the case.
Earlier in his testimony, Jamilu, who identified himself as the owner of Kumfayakum Global Limited, denied making cash deposits at the Lokoja branch of Access Bank, stating that transactions in question were carried out by one Abba Adaudu, whom he said later handed him funds which he converted to US dollars.
He also acknowledged several bank transactions presented before the court, including transfers linked to companies allegedly connected to Adaudu, while maintaining his account of how the funds were received and handled.
