Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in account withdrawals — Witness
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal Court in Abuja has delayed the alleged money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, till March 7, for further proceedings.
At Thursday’s resumed hearing, EFCC lawyer Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) called Williams Abimbola, the agency’s subpoenaed witness.
Abimbola, a Compliant Officer with United Bank for Africa Plc, testified to the court that the bank had received another subpoena.
Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the subpoena and labelled it as ‘Exhibit 7’.
According to the prosecution, the suboeana asked the production of Maselina Njoku’s statement of account from January 1st, 2019 to December 31, 2020.
The witness acknowledged that the request came from the bank and that a certificate of compliance was also issued.
On December 12, 2018, the witness confirmed ten withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu, each for N10 million. She stated that the withdrawals were made with cheques and presented over the counter.
However, during cross-examination, the witness affirmed that the previous governor’s name was not used to open or administer the Kogi Government House Bank account.
She further stated that she was not the accounts officer for the Kogi Government House account, and that the account is based in Lokoja, Kogi State, rather than Area 3, Abuja, where she works.
Under cross-examination, Defence Counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) asked the witness whether her role as a compliance officer included preserving the bank’s integrity from legal penalties, reputational damage, and financial loss. She answered positively.
The witness was also asked to name the three signatories to the account, which she did.
She remarked about Yakubu Ismail, the Permanent Secretary, “We only have his picture on this form.”
Daudu was curious: “Now, in both the account opening documents and the statement of account from E1 to E72, does the name ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere?” The witness answered negatively.
The Defendant’s lawyer repeated, “Please review Exhibit 2P1-3P62. Is the name ‘Yahaya Bello’ mentioned anywhere in the document? The witness then replied in the negative.
The defence lawyer then concluded his cross-examination.
The EFCC Counsel moved to re-examine the witness, which Daudu opposed to, but the court granted it after a brief dispute.
Pinheiro then questioned the witness if she recognised the signature on the document.
She stated that she signed on behalf of one Edward Bananga.
However, the Defendant’s Counsel again objected and attempted to cross-examine the witness.
“My Lord, the witness first denied the signature, but on cross-examination, the prosecution persuaded her to admit it. As a result, I have the right to question that admission and demonstrate that her allegation about the signature is false,” he stated.
“Cross-examination is used to demonstrate the correctness or veracity of a witness. I am entitled to refute what she said. “This is in the interest of justice,” Daudu SAN stated.
He then requested the witness read the document.
She read from the document, “I Edward Bananga hereby certifiy and confirmed that……”
“I put it to you that you are not Edward Bananga,” the defendant’s counsel stated.
“I am not Edward Bananga, my lord,” the witness replied.
The prosecution produced another witness, Nicholas Ohehomon of the American International School.
The exhibits included the school’s statements of account, admittance letters for the defendant’s children, and payment receipts.
The witness confirmed the classes the youngsters were admitted to.
Exhibit 12P was also submitted, which was a contractual agreement for the children’s post-paid school fees.
The Prosecution produced a letter from the EFCC to AIS, Abuja, via the Registrar. It was labelled Exhibit 18 and an account issued by the EFCC for a reimbursement.
The court then deferred the case to tomorrow, March 7th, at 10 a.m., to continue the trial.