Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned proceedings in the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to May 6 and 7 for continuation of cross-examination of the 12th prosecution witness.
The witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, during Friday’s sitting, confirmed that he made a statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 10th May, 2022, which was presented to him in court to refresh his memory.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Jamilu stated that the statement was the only one he submitted to the commission in relation to the case.
He acknowledged that certain entities, including Wales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, and Aleshua Services, were not referenced in Exhibit 46. He also noted that names listed in Exhibit 13, spanning pages 1 to 13, were not included in the earlier exhibit.
The witness further confirmed that he was not the author of Exhibit 13.
Justice Nwite had earlier overruled an objection by the defence against the EFCC’s attempt to re-present Exhibit 46, describing the challenge as speculative and misconstrued.
Jamilu also recalled giving similar testimony in a separate proceeding before Justice Egwuatu at the Federal High Court. When prompted by defence counsel regarding his role in that case, he said he could not recall his exact witness number but confirmed the defendants included Ali Bello, Abah Adaudu, Yakuba Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyadi Sadat.
During the session, additional documents were tendered by the defence and admitted as Exhibit 47 without objection.
Reviewing the documents, the witness agreed that the transactions he discussed in the earlier case were consistent with those presented in the current trial. He explained that he relied on colleagues to facilitate certain dollar transactions due to limitations with his own accounts.
Jamilu stated that the companies mentioned in court were owned by associates in the market and that he typically coordinated foreign exchange transfers with them when necessary.
He also testified that instructions to make payments to the American International School were given by Abba Adaudu, who approached him alongside an associate for the transaction, though he could not recall the individual’s name.
According to the witness, all payments were successfully transferred to the school, after which he forwarded the telex advice to Adaudu.
When asked to verify documents in Exhibit 13, he responded: “Yes, but I just noticed that P13 and P14 are not part of the documents I tendered as part of the payment I made for the school fees.”
He also provided the names of the students for whom the payments were made.
Following the proceedings, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to May 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution witness.
