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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, Jamilu Abdullahi, in their ongoing trial for alleged money laundering.
Ali, a nephew of the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, was arraigned by the commission with three others for alleged money laundering to the tune of N3 billion.
Other defendants are – Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat.
The judge fixed the date after he overruled an oral application by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposing the defence request for an adjournment.
The defence counsel, Aliyu Abubakar (SAN), and Nuireni Jimoh (SAN), had sought an adjournment to enable them to study the witness’ proof of evidence served on them.
Abubakar is Bello’s counsel while Jimoh is representing the remaining three defendants in the case.
The commission had on Tuesday called an Abuja-based Bureau De Change (BDC) operator simply identified as Abdullahi to give evidence on the matter.
Abdullahi, who was led by Oyedepo, continued with his evidence-in-chief at the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday.
After he completed his testimony, Bello’s counsel sought an adjournment to enable him to study the witness’ proof of evidence.
Jimoh aligned himself with his submission.
However, Oyedepo objected to the application.
He argued that the witness’ proof of evidence, including the statements of account was served on the defence on February 6, 2023.
He said: “No fresh document was served on them.
“Subject to my lord’s convenience, cross-examination of the witness should start.
“I urge my lord to refuse their application.”
In a short ruling, Justice Egwuatu granted the defence counsel’s application for them to prepare their defence on the matter.
“The prosecution application is hereby refused,” he said.
The judge consequently adjourned the matter till October 25, November 5 and November 6 for cross-examination of the witness.
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