Yahaya Bello Vs EFCC: Courtroom to Rule June 26 on EFCC’s Request to Cross-Look at Personal Witness

The Federal Excessive Courtroom in Abuja has scheduled June 26, 2025, to rule on an utility filed by the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) searching for to cross-examine its personal witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, within the ongoing cash laundering case in opposition to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

Justice Emeka Nwite mounted the date after listening to arguments from each the EFCC and the defence group, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu.

The controversy erupted in the course of the proceedings when Daudu objected to the EFCC’s try and cross-examine its personal witness after the defence had already carried out cross-examination. He insisted that, below the regulation, the prosecution might solely proceed to re-examine the witness until the witness was declared hostile.

Nicholas Ojehomon, an inside auditor with the American Worldwide College in Abuja, had earlier confirmed below cross-examination that he had testified in associated circumstances, together with one involving Ali Bello. Nonetheless, he maintained that he made no adversarial claims in opposition to Yahaya Bello in these situations or the present case.

EFCC counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, argued that he was not re-examining the witness however as a substitute cross-examining him on Exhibit 19 — a judgment from the Excessive Courtroom of the Federal Capital Territory — which had been launched by the defence. He claimed the EFCC was entitled to cross-examine the witness to make clear factors raised via the defence’s cross-examination.

In response, Daudu challenged the legality of such a transfer, stating that below the Proof Act, the EFCC should first declare the witness hostile earlier than it could actually lawfully cross-examine him.

Justice Nwite questioned the EFCC’s authorized foundation for the bizarre request, noting that the usual authorized process is to comply with testimony with cross-examination by the opposing celebration, adopted by re-examination by the unique celebration.

“You’ll be able to solely re-examine the witness,” the decide said. “If you happen to’re insisting on cross-examining him, you could tackle the court docket on the authorized backing.”

After listening to either side, Justice Nwite dominated that written submissions ought to be made and set June 26, 27, and July 4 and 5 for the ruling and continuation of trial.

Throughout Thursday’s listening to, Ojehomon additionally testified that there was no report of wired faculty price funds from the Kogi State authorities or its native governments to the American Worldwide College, Abuja. He additional cited a judgment which confirmed that there was no court docket order directing the college to refund charges to the EFCC or any declaration that the funds have been proceeds of cash laundering.