The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing alleged money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to May 6 and 7, 2026 for continuation of cross-examination of the 12th prosecution witness.
Presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, fixed the new dates after proceedings on Friday, where the witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, was further examined by both the prosecution and defence teams.
The witness, who had earlier given a statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2022, told the court that he made only one statement to the commission regarding the case.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), the witness confirmed inconsistencies between exhibits presented in court, noting that certain company names and details were not contained in one of the key exhibits referenced.
He admitted that names such as Wales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, and Aleshua Services were not included in Exhibit 46, and also confirmed he was not the author of Exhibit 13.
The court had earlier dismissed objections raised by the defence regarding the re-presentation of Exhibit 46, describing the objection as speculative.
The witness also recalled giving similar testimony in an earlier related case before Justice Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, although he said he could not remember his exact witness designation in that matter.
During proceedings, another document tendered by the defence was admitted as Exhibit 47 without objection.
The witness confirmed that some of the financial transactions he referenced in the current case were similar to those discussed in the earlier proceedings.
He told the court that he facilitated dollar transfers through colleagues in the market due to limitations with his personal accounts, and that exchange arrangements were made with them at agreed rates.
He further stated that instructions for payments to the American International School were allegedly given by one Abba Adaudu, alongside an associate whose name he could not recall.
According to his testimony, all transfers were completed successfully, and receipts were forwarded after the transactions were executed.
However, during examination-in-chief by EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, the witness acknowledged discrepancies in some documents presented in court, particularly parts of Exhibit 13 that he said were not part of his original submissions.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter to May 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution witness.
