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Yahaya Bello's money laundering trial adjourned over witness statement dispute
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to April 24, 2026. The adjournment is for a ruling on whether the prosecution can use a witness's initial statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to refresh his memory or contradict his testimony. Joseph Daudu SAN, counsel for the former governor, objected to the prosecution's attempt to re-present Exhibit 46, the 12th Prosecution Witness’s statement. Daudu argued that if the prosecution intended to contradict its witness, it must first seek the court's leave to declare the witness hostile. This objection arose after the witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, gave evidence that appeared inconsistent with his initial statement. Jamilu, owner of Kumfayakum Global Limited, testified that he converted funds deposited by Abba Adaudu into US dollars and handed them over to Adaudu at their respective offices in Abuja. When asked about other delivery locations, he maintained deliveries occurred only at the offices. The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, sought to show the witness his earlier statement to refresh his memory, citing Section 2391, 2, and 3 of the Evidence Act. However, Daudu contended that this amounted to an attempt to treat the witness as hostile without following proper procedure, referencing Section 230 of the Evidence Act and the case of Ibe v. State 1997 LPELR-1389 SC. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the sitting for a ruling on
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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