N80.2bn Fraud Case: Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Trial to October 7
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud to October 7, 2025.
The case, scheduled for continuation of the cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness, Aryan Mashelia Bata, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank, could not proceed on Thursday, July 3, due to the witness’s absence.
Prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the witness was attending a mandatory training, making him unavailable for the day’s proceedings. He confirmed that both the court and the defence were notified in advance.
While proposing October 6 for the continuation of the cross-examination, defence counsel, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, objected to the suggested date, requesting October 7 and 10 instead, or alternative dates in November.
Aliyu also disclosed that the defence had filed a motion concerning a publication on the EFCC website related to the case, requesting that it be heard on October 7.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter to October 7 and 10, 2025, for continuation of the cross-examination and hearing of the motion, and November 8 and 9, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
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