A Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned until April 24, 2026, to rule on whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) can re-present Exhibit 46 to Abdullahi Jamilu, the 12th prosecution witness in the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Justice Emeka Nwite gave the ruling after defence counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected to the prosecution's attempt to show Jamilu his initial statement to the EFCC. Daudu argued that the move to contradict the witness without first seeking leave to declare him hostile violated Section 230 of the Evidence Act. The witness, owner of Kumfayakum Global Limited, had testified that he converted funds deposited by Abba Adaudu into US dollars and delivered them only at their respective offices in Abuja.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, maintained the action was to refresh the witness's memory under Section 239 of the Evidence Act, citing precedents. Jamilu earlier stated he did not make any cash deposits at the Lokoja branch of Access Bank, though his name appeared in transaction narrations. He confirmed Abba Adaudu made deposits on October 8 and 11, 2021, and March 17, 2022, at the same branch. Jamilu claimed he converted those funds and handed over the dollars to Abba Adaudu. The court reserved its ruling on the admissibility of the prior statement for April 24, 2026, and will continue the trial.
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