A Federal Capital Territory High Court has adjourned the hearing in the alleged money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and others until April 3 and April 24. The adjournment followed the testimony of the first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer.
Prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that he intended to call five witnesses, but Justice Maryann Anenih ruled that only one could be heard that day due to other pressing matters on her docket. The court also announced it would not sit on Thursday as originally scheduled.
Joseph Daudu, SAN, counsel for the first and second defendants, raised concerns about the prosecution’s failure to provide the second defendant’s statements on oath, which he said hindered the defense team’s preparation. He argued that the defense had only just seen the prosecution’s first witness in court and noted the importance of timely access to witness statements for cross-examination. Daudu further pointed out that while the first defendant had not made a statement, the defense had not received the second defendant’s statement, creating a significant challenge in preparing the defense.
Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, counsel for the third defendant, echoed similar concerns, requesting that the prosecution provide the statements of the second and third defendants as well as additional evidence, including reports related to digital devices mentioned in the prosecution’s evidence.
The prosecution, represented by Pinheiro, responded by stating that the proof of evidence had been served on the defendants in November 2024 and that they were not obligated to provide all the documents in advance. Pinheiro emphasized that the law only required the prosecution to disclose requested documents.
After some debate, Justice Anenih declined the defense’s request for an adjournment and directed the prosecution to proceed with the case. The prosecution then called its first witness, Fabian Nworah, who testified about a property transaction involving Shehu Bello and EFAB Property Nigeria Limited.
Nworah explained that EFAB Property sold a property to Shehu Bello, but the sale agreement listed a different name, Dr. Bello Ohiani.
He also detailed how the EFCC became involved after Shehu Bello informed them the property was under investigation, leading to EFAB Property refunding N550 million in two installments, as instructed by the EFCC.