Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial in the alleged money laundering case against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to 3rd, 24th April, and 6th May, 2024.
Justice Anenih adjourned the case for the continuation of the hearing after the first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, was called to testify.
At the day’s proceedings, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that he had five witnesses to call for the day. However, Justice MaryAnne Anenih said she could only take one witness.
Joseph Daudu, SAN, the defense team’s attorney, informed the court that the prosecution had not made the statements under the second defendant’s oath to the defense team. He claimed he was aware that the first defendant had not yet made a statement.
Daudu, SAN, also made objections to the witness that the prosecution had just seen him for the first time, claiming that they had no idea what the witness was saying. He emphasized that legal proceedings shouldn’t be a “hide and seek” game by calling on the prosecution to prepare the witness’ statements on oath in advance so that the defense could adequately prepare for cross-examination.
The second defendant’s statements have not been served on us, allowing us to determine whether or not we will be able to defend him. Therefore, we are severely hampered. They must provide us with every statement the defendants make. The first defendant, from what I understand, has not stated anything. Fortunately, we are still within the housekeeping stage of the proceeding”, he added.
Corroborating this, Counsel for the 3rd Defendant, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, said, “Mine is not a comment but an observation, my lord. The court should have the ability to request the prosecution to give the second and third defendants’ statements.
Aliyu, SAN, said he learned on Tuesday that the defendants’ requests for the statements were not included in the proof of evidence served on them when the judge inquired about whether he had previously requested them. He added, “I’m also asking that the judge order the prosecution to give us copies of the recovered digital devices, the report or the extract therefrom, as well as, if possible, the report of the forensic expert.” The Supreme Court’s decision in Okemini v. Comm of Police, which I am following, was implemented in Okoye against the Commissioner of Police.
The Prosecution, however, disagreed, saying the Defendants were trying to delay a speedy trial. He argued that the defendants had received the evidence on November 27.
The prosecution should not provide all the documents it relies on, according to the constitutional provision they use. According to Pinheiro, the law only requires that the prosecution provide the defense with all necessary documentation.
He urged the court to continue with the day’s business and stated that the issues would be resolved whenever they received formal applications from the defendants. “As it is, we have almost utilised more than an hour on these arguments”, he stated.
The judge asked the Defendant’s Counsel why he did not raise the issues in December. Daudu, SAN, replied that it was because it had to be done after arraignment. They won’t accept my application because I’ve applied. It is absolutely necessary, according to the third defendant’s attorney.
The judge, however, ordered the prosecution to proceed with the case and denied the request for adjournment.
The prosecution then called Efab Property Nigeria Limited’s Fabian Nworah, the company’s first witness. On February 8, 2023, Shehu Bello and EFAB Property made a statement regarding a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama.
However, throughout his submission in court on Wednesday, he didn’t mention the name of former Governor Yahaya Bello. He claimed to have sold Shehu Bello the property, but he was unaware that Dr. Bello Ohiani was the subject of the sale agreement.
He said, in 2023, Shehu Bello approached EFAB Property, informing them that the property was under investigation by the EFCC. He requested a refund of the N550 million that had been paid, and he returned all of the purchase’s paperwork.
Subsequently, he said, EFAB Property was invited by the EFCC to explain what transpired between them and Shehu Bello. The EFCC gave the company the order to return the entire sum to the designated EFCC account. EFAB Property complied in two batches.
Nworah claimed that he had not spoken to Shehu Bello or Dr. Bello Ohiani since then until December 2024, when the EFCC called them to testify as witnesses in a case involving their dealings with Shehu Bello.
Source: Channels TV
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