The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to April 24, 2026, following a tense courtroom clash between the prosecution and defence over the handling of a witness’s prior statement.
Trial judge, Emeka Nwite, fixed the new date after hearing arguments on whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission could re-present a document already admitted in evidence without first declaring its witness hostile.
Bello is facing prosecution by the EFCC over alleged money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion. The anti-graft agency alleges that he used proxies and front companies to divert state funds and conceal the proceeds through layered financial transactions.
At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, sought to re-present Exhibit 46—the prior statement of the 12th prosecution witness—arguing that it was necessary to clarify inconsistencies in the witness’s testimony.
However, defence counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, strongly objected, insisting that the prosecution was attempting to discredit its own witness without following due legal procedure.
“My Lord, I object. If learned counsel intends to contradict his witness, he must first apply to have him declared a hostile witness,” Daudu argued, adding that relying on the document without such a declaration violates established rules of evidence.
The dispute arose during the testimony of Abdullahi Jamilu, owner of Kumfayakum Global Limited, who told the court he received funds from one Abba Adaudu, converted them into U.S. dollars, and delivered them at different times.
Under cross-examination, the witness maintained that all transactions and handovers took place strictly at his office or that of Adaudu, denying involvement in transfers at other locations.
In response, Pinheiro rejected claims of contradiction, stating that the prosecution merely intended to refresh the witness’s memory, noting that the transactions dated back to 2022. He cited provisions of the Evidence Act allowing witnesses to rely on earlier statements for recollection.
Daudu, however, dismissed the argument, insisting that the EFCC was effectively treating its witness as hostile without seeking the court’s permission, contrary to legal requirements.
After listening to both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter for ruling on the application.
Earlier in his testimony, Jamilu denied making cash deposits at a Lokoja branch of Access Bank, despite his name appearing in transaction records. He attributed the deposits—dated October 8 and 11, 2021, and March 17, 2022—to Abba Adaudu.
He also confirmed receiving inflows of ₦100 million and ₦400 million from Keyless Nature Limited in December 2021, identifying the company as belonging to Adaudu, and acknowledged a separate inflow from Ejadams Essence Limited in February 2022.
The case continues as the court prepares to rule on the admissibility and procedural handling of the disputed evidence.