By Peter Omopo
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday admitted a judgment document into evidence in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, rejecting an objection by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled against the EFCC’s attempt to block the admission of a judgment from the Federal Capital Territory High Court in a civil case involving the Kogi State Chief of Staff, Ali Bello, and the Incorporated Trustees of the American International School.
The EFCC had opposed the admissibility of the document, arguing it was premature since the prosecution had not closed its case in the ongoing 19-count, N80.2 billion money laundering trial. The agency alleged that Bello used part of the laundered funds to pay his children’s tuition at the school.
However, the defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, argued that the document was relevant and should be admitted in line with the principles of substantial justice.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said the court had moved beyond technicalities and that the admissibility of documents must be assessed based on relevance and compliance with Sections 102 and 104 of the Evidence Act. He ruled that the objection by the prosecution was “preemptive” and overruled it.
“This court is already on the platform of substantial justice,” Justice Nwite stated. “The argument that the defence cannot present the document is hereby discountenanced.”
The judgment document admitted relates to a civil ruling on the issue of tuition fee payments at the American International School, a key element in the EFCC’s charges against Bello.
