Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for alleged money laundering till 2026.
The judge adjourned the matter to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s 7th prosecution witness (PW-7), Olomotame Egoro, to conclude his testimony.
Egoro is being led in evidence by EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).
When the matter was called for continuation of trial, Pinheiro sought to tender some documents marked as Exhibits 33 (1–11) and 34, while leading the witness in evidence.
But counsel who appeared for former governor, Abdullahi Yahaya (SAN), interjected.
He noted that the exhibits being presented by the prosecution and its witness were not known to the defendant.
He argued that the certificate of identification attached to the documents before the court was signed by one Faruk Idiaro and not the witness in the witness box.
Yahaya said the defendant was served with a proof of evidence that was not the same as what the witness tendered.
Responding, Pinheiro said the certificate of identification might be different, but the substantive documents attached to it were the same.
He urged the court to stand down the matter to enable the defence team to confirm that the documents mentioned in the certificate of identification were the same documents tendered.
The court stood down briefly and asked the parties to sort out their differences.
When the case was recalled, Egoro, who is a compliant officer with Access Bank Plc, gave his testimony.
He confirmed that there were seven columns in the statement of account that was tendered and explained what the different columns stood for.
He was taken through the account statement of the Kogi State Government House Administration from December 2018 to August 2021.
Justice Nwite later adjourned the case till January 29, 30, and February 4 and 5, 2026, for continuation of trial.
