The fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has refuted claims that he was harassed by security aides of the former governor.
Mr. Mshelia Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, said at the conclusion of the cross-examination that he felt the need to clarify the allegation raised by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.
Counsel for the defendant, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had called the attention of the judge to a story on the EFCC’s website, alleging that the Commission’s witness was harassed.
He also said the EFCC misrepresented the facts of the previous day’s court proceedings.
Responding, Pinheiro said he would call the attention of the EFCC office to the matter.
During cross-examination by counsel to the defendant, Joseph Daudu, SAN, the witness also confirmed that the former governor was neither a signatory to nor connected with any of the accounts presented as evidence.
He admitted that going through Exhibit 22A, from pages 24 to 413, the defendant was not also listed on any of the documents as a beneficiary of any transaction.
“I am here to speak on the documents before me. From the document, His Excellency’s name did not feature in any description or as a beneficiary in any transaction in the documents before me,” he confirmed.
The compliance officer had earlier mentioned the signatories on the accounts managed for the Kogi State Government House Administration and also confirmed letters that introduced those who replaced some key officials along the line.
The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, objected, saying that the defendant’s counsel should restrict his question to the document and not ask the witness who benefitted.
But the Judge responded that the witness, as an expert, knew what to say.
The witness had earlier explained that he supervises a cluster of 13 branches within Abuja and other places like Gwagwalada, University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello Way; Baze University, Garki; and Garki Ultra Modern Market, among others.
He also admitted that his clusters did not extend beyond the Federal Capital Territory.
The witness was earlier told to identify the signatories to the accounts and their designations, considering the documents tendered as evidence.
He mentioned the names, ranging from the permanent secretary to the chief accountant, and accountant.
On the issue of harassment, the EFCC’s lawyer had raised an observation that the witness was harassed by one of the security details attached to the defendant.
The defendant’s counsel doubted the claim, noting that he had always known his client to be a man of peace.
He, however, assured the court that he would investigate the allegation and report back accordingly.
The judge, thereafter, urged the defendant’s counsel to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Counsel to the defendant, further informed the court about the application for the retrieval of the defendant’s travel documents.
‘Abuse Of Court Process’
But the prosecution said they had filed a counter-affidavit to the application, arguing that the application was technically incompetent.
Pinheiro said the same application was filed at the FCT High Court, adding that it was an abuse of court process.
But Daudu said the prosecution was the one guilty of abuse of the court process.
“We were served with the counter affidavit yesterday and we, overnight, filed a further affidavit to the complainant’s counter affidavit with two exhibits as well.
“My lord, the substance of the application is for the release of his passport in line with the conditions for the bail that if he needs, he has to apply to court.
The defendant’s counsel further added that his client had medical needs to attend to during the period of the vacation, adding that after eight years of not traveling, he needed to attend to certain aspects of his health.
Justice Emeka Nwite subsequently adjourned to July 3 and 4 for the continuation of the trial and July 21 for ruling on the application to travel.
