The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court presided over by Justice MaryAnne Anenih has postponed the trial of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who faces allegations of money laundering.
The trial is now scheduled for April 3 – 24, and May 6, 2025.
The case was adjourned after the prosecution called its first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer.
During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, planned to present five witnesses but was only allowed to call one due to time constraints.
Defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, raised concerns that the prosecution had not provided the statements on oath from the second defendant, and he highlighted the inadequacy of preparation time because they were encountering witnesses for the first time.
He argued that legal proceedings should be transparent rather than a “hide and seek” game.
“The statements of the second defendant have not been served on us to be able to know if we will be able to represent him or not. So, it is a serious handicap on us.
“They need to serve us all the statements made by the defendants. I understand the first defendant has not made a statement. Fortunately, we are still within the housekeeping stage of the proceeding,” he added.
Counsel for the third defendant, Abubakar Aliyu, echoed Daudu’s sentiments, requesting that the prosecution provide necessary documents, including statements and forensic reports.
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However, the prosecution countered that it had already served proof of evidence and accused the defense of trying to delay the trial.
Pinheiro insisted that the law does not require the prosecution to provide all documents at once, only those explicitly requested.
“The constitutional provision, which they rely on, does not imply that the prosecution should provide all the documents which it relies on. The law only provides that the prosecution should oblige the defence with all the documents requested for,” Pinheiro argued.
Despite the defense’s objections, Justice Anenih directed the prosecution to proceed with the case.
Nworah testified about a transaction involving a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, stating he sold it to Shehu Bello but noted that the sale agreement listed Dr. Bello Ohiani as the seller.
He explained that after the property was flagged for investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, they returned the funds to a designated account as instructed.
Following Nworah’s testimony, Justice Anenih adjourned the case to the newly scheduled dates.
