The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) objection to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s move to submit a previous court judgment in his ongoing money laundering trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled on Thursday that the EFCC’s opposition was “preemptive” and lacked merit. The ruling came after Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, attempted to tender a judgment from an FCT High Court in the case between Ali Bello and the Incorporated Trustees of the American International School (Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023).
The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinhero, SAN, opposed the move, arguing that the prosecution had not yet closed its case. However, Daudu countered that the judgment was relevant to the current matter.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite emphasized that admissibility of documents must comply with Sections 102 and 104 of the Evidence Act. He noted that the judgment in question was a certified true copy and relevant to the case at hand.
He further stated that the court prioritizes substantial justice over technicalities.
“Having said that, the objection of the prosecution is indeed preemptive. Consequently, it is hereby overruled,” the judge declared.
The document was subsequently admitted into evidence and marked as Exhibit 19.
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