April 25, 2026 | Legal News | SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a defence objection in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case, allowing the prosecution to continue presenting its evidence.
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, ruled that the objection raised by Bello’s legal team was “speculative and misconceived,” describing it as lacking legal merit.
The former governor is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving ₦80,246,470,088.88.
During proceedings, defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), urged the court to halt the trial, arguing that the prosecution’s witness had been inconsistent and should be declared hostile. However, prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the claim, insisting the witness remained clear and consistent in his testimony.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Nwite sided with the prosecution, referencing provisions of the Evidence Act, and ordered the continuation of the trial.
Following the ruling, the prosecution called its twelfth witness, a Bureau de Change operator, Jamilu Abdullahi, who provided detailed testimony on alleged foreign exchange transactions linked to the case.
The witness told the court he handled multiple dollar transactions on instructions from an associate identified as Abba Adaudu, including payments allegedly connected to school fees for two children of the former governor.
He also stated that some transactions were facilitated through other Bureau de Change operators when liquidity was insufficient, adding that cash dollars were provided for certain transfers.
Under cross-examination, Abdullahi confirmed he made only one official statement to the EFCC and admitted he played a supervisory role in some transactions.
The court adjourned the case to May 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination and further hearing.
