Court adjourns continuation of Yahaya Bello nephew’s money laundering trial

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday, adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendants until September 26.

Mr Bello is the nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s third prosecution witness (PW-3), Jamilu Abdullahi, continued with his evidence-in-chief.

The EFCC, in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, is prosecuting Mr Bello and three others on an alleged N3 billion money laundering charge.

While Mr Bello is the first defendant, Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat are the second to fourth defendants, respectively.

At the resumed trial, the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), led the PW-3, Abdullahi, an Abuja-based Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, in evidence concerning the alleged offence.

PW-3, in his oral evidence, told the court that he is the owner of the company, E-Traders International Limited.

Mr Abdullahi explained how the second defendant in the charge, Abba Adaudu (a businessman), deposited cash and made electronic transfers into his company’s Access Bank and personal accounts.

Giving the breakdown, he confirmed the receipt of several cash and electronic deposits paid into his accounts by Mr Daudu.

All the said payments were made between 2021 and 2022.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until September 26 for the continuation of the trial.

On June 24, the judge adjourned the matter until today (September 24) after the PW-2, Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank Complaint Officer, was discharged from the witness box.

Mr Egoro was discharged from the witness box following the completion of his evidence and cross-examination by the defence counsel.