EFCC opened trial against former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday, calling a property developer as the first prosecution witness.
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Mr Nworah told the court that he was invited by the EFCC for interrogation about the deal in February 2023. The charges include criminal breach of trust – the alleged diversion of more than N110 billion entrusted in Mr Bello’s care as Kogi State governor.Before the witness took the stand on Wednesday, the defence and prosecution clashed over the availability of key documents. The lead defence lawyer for the first and second defendants, Joseph Daudu, a SAN, accused the prosecution of withholding statements on oath from the defence team.
“So, it is a serious handicap for us. They need to serve us all the statements made by the defendants. He maintained that all necessary documents had been served on the defence as far back as 27 November. He urged the court to order the prosecution to provide copies of recovered digital devices and the report or the extract on page 14 of Volume 1 of the proof of evidence and the report of the forensic expert, if any.Mrs Anenih postponed the proceedings after the prosecution’s first witness, Mr Nworah’s testimony.The counts include allegations that Mr Bello diverted Kogi State funds while he was governor to buy himself properties in Abuja and Dubai.
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