The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged money laundering case against former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, after testimonies from two witnesses.
Fraud allegations amounting to N80.2 billion were instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Bello.
When the matter was called on Thursday, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called its witness on the subpoena, Williams Abimbola.
Abimbola, a Compliant Officer with the United Bank for Africa Plc, confirmed to the court that a further subpoena was served on the bank.
Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the subpoena and marked it ‘Exhibit 7’.
The subpoena, according to the prosecution, requested for the production of the statement of account of one Maselina Njoku, from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020.
The witness confirmed that it was the request from the bank and added that a certificate of compliance was also issued.
The witness confirmed 10 withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu, in the sum of N 10 million each on December 12, 2018. She said the withdrawals were done with cheques and presented across the counter.
The witness, however, confirmed, during cross-examination, that the former Governor’s name did not feature in the opening and management of the said Kogi Government House Bank account.
She also noted that she was not the accounts officer of the Kogi Government House account and that the account is domiciled in Lokoja, Kogi State, and not Area 3, Abuja, where she works.
On cross-examination, the Defence Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, asked the witness that, as a compliance officer, her duty involves protecting the integrity of the bank from legal penalty, reputational damage, and financial losses? “Yes,” she responded.
The witness was also asked to name the three signatories on the account, which she did.
For Yakubu Ismail, who was Permanent Secretary, she said, “We only have his picture on this form.”
Daudu SAN asked, “Now, in both the account opening documents and the statement of account from E1 to E72, does the name ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere?”
“No, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature,” the witness responded.
The Defendant’s lawyer again asked, “Please look at Exhibit 2P1-3P62. Does the name ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere in the document?”
“My Lord, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature on the exhibits,” the witness answered.
Daudu SAN therefore closed his cross-examination.
The EFCC Counsel, moved to re-examine the witness. Daudu, SAN objected, but the judge allowed him after a brief argument.
Pinheiro SAN then asked the witness if she was familiar with the signature on the document.
She said she signed on behalf of one Edward Bananga.
But the Defendant’s Counsel again objected and moved to cross-examine the witness.
