Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello's Money Laundering Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to April 24, 2026. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seeking to re-present evidence related to allegations of money laundering involving N80.2 billion.

During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued for the introduction of Exhibit 46, which includes statements from a key witness, claiming inconsistencies with earlier accounts. Defense counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, opposed this application, asserting that the prosecution had not confronted its own witness without first declaring them hostile.

The court heard testimony from Abdullahi Jamilu, who stated he did not make a cash deposit at the Lokoja branch of Access Bank, contradicting earlier claims. The case involves complex financial transactions and the conversion of funds into U.S. dollars, with the court expected to determine the admissibility of the prosecution's evidence.