Alleged 3 billion rupiah fraud: Yahaya Bello’s nephew and others to question EFCC witnesses on Oct 25

Justice Obiorah Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, fixed October 25 for Ali Bello and his co-defendants to cross-examine the prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Jamilu Abdullahi, in their ongoing trial on money laundering charges.

Ali, nephew of former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello, was charged by the commission alongside three others for alleged money laundering of N3 billion.

The other accused are – Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat.

The judge fixed the date after he rejected the oral application of EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who opposed the defense request for an adjournment.

Counsel, Aliyu Abubakar (SAN) and Nuireni Jimoh (SAN) have asked for an adjournment to enable them to study the evidence of witnesses given to them.

Abubakar is Bello’s lawyer while Jimoh represents the other three defendants in the case.

The commission on Tuesday summoned an Abuja-based Bureau De Change (BDC) operator identified as Abdullahi to give evidence on the matter.

Abdullahi, led by Oyedepo, continued his evidence in chief at a further hearing in the case on Thursday.

After completing his testimony, Bello’s attorney asked for an adjournment to give him the opportunity to study the evidence presented by the witness.

Jimoh aligned himself with his submission.

However, Oyedepo objected to the request.

He stated that witness evidence including the account statement had been submitted to the defense on February 6, 2023.

He said: “No new documents have been presented to them.

“Based on your considerations, cross-examination of the witness must begin.

“I urge my lord to reject their request.”

In his brief ruling, Justice Egwuatu granted the application of the defendant’s counsel to prepare a defence on the matter.

“The application for prosecution is hereby dismissed,” he said.

Therefore, the judge postponed the case until October 25, November 5, and November 6 for cross-examination of witnesses.

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