The Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the high-profile trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, to October 7, 2025, in connection with an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud case. Justice Emeka Nwite announced the adjournment on Thursday, July 3, following delays caused by the absence of a key prosecution witness.
The trial, which was scheduled for the continuation of cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness, Aryan Mashelia Bata, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank, stalled after it was disclosed that the witness was unavailable due to mandatory training obligations. Lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the development, explaining that the absence had been duly communicated to both the court and the defence team.
Pinheiro noted that the prosecution had intended to expedite the proceedings but was hindered by the scheduling conflict. He initially proposed October 6, 2025, in the afternoon, as a new date for resuming cross-examination. However, defence counsel Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, objected to the proposed date, advocating instead for October 7 and 10, or dates in November, citing better logistical suitability.
Aliyu further brought to the court’s attention that the defence had filed a motion concerning a publication about the case on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) website. He requested that the motion be scheduled for hearing on October 7, in line with the next phase of the trial.
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After considering the submissions from both legal teams, Justice Nwite agreed to adjourn proceedings. The case is now slated for October 7 and 10 for continuation of cross-examination and hearing on the motion, with November 8 and 9 reserved for further trial activities.
Yahaya Bello is standing trial on multiple counts related to the alleged diversion of ₦80.2 billion in public funds during his tenure as governor of Kogi State. The case, which has attracted nationwide attention, is one of the most watched corruption trials involving a former Nigerian state executive.
The EFCC continues to maintain that the funds in question were laundered through a complex web of shell accounts and proxy transfers, while Bello has consistently denied all allegations, vowing to clear his name in court.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on the courtroom, with Nigerians closely monitoring developments that could redefine the future of anti-corruption enforcement in the country.
