A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, fixed Oct. 25 for Ali Bello and his co-defendants to cross examine the EFCC’s 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3), Jamilu Abdullahi.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter after he overruled an oral application by counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposing the defence request for an adjournment.
The lawyers to the defence, Aliyu Abubakar, SAN, and Nuireni Jimoh, SAN, had sought an adjournment to enable them study the witness’ proof of evidence served on them.
It would be recalled that the anti-graft agency, on Tuesday, called Abdullahi, an Abuja-based Bureau De Change (BDC) Operator, to give evidence with respect to the alleged money laundering charge preferred against the defendants.
The EFCC, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, is prosecuting Bello and three others on an alleged N3 billion money laundering charge.
While Bello is the 1st defendant, Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat are 2nd to 4th defendants respectively.
Upon resumed hearing, the PW-3 continued with his evidence-in-chief led by Oyedepo.
The witness gave evidence with respect to cash in-flow into his Access Bank’s company and personal accounts.
After completing his testimony, lawyer to Bello (1st defendant), Aliyu Abubakar, SAN, sought an adjournment to enable him study the witness’ proof of evidence.
Abubakar said he would have commenced the cross examination but due to the voluminous documents served on him, he would need more time to study them.
Nureini Jimoh, SAN, who appeared for other defendants, aligned himself with Abubakar’s submission.
However, Oyedepo objected to the application.
He argued that the proof of evidence of the witness was served on the defence on Feb. 6, 2023; including the statements of account, etc.
“No fresh document was served on them,”
“Subject to my lord’s convenience, cross examination of the witness should start.
“I urge my lord to refuse their application,” he said.
Justice Egwuatu, in a short ruling, said he was inclined to grant the defence counsel’s application for them to prepare for their defence.
“The prosecution application is hereby refused,” he said.
The judge consequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 25, Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 for cross examination of the PW-3.
Abdullahi had told the court that he was the owner of E-Traders International Limited, a BDC company.
