The trial of Ali Bello (cousin of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State) and Dauda Suleiman over alleged misappropriation and money laundering was suspended on Tuesday owing to the sudden complaint by a prosecution witness that he was feeling unwell.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello and Suleiman on a 10-count charge
The prosecution called its third witness, Rabiu Musa, who claimed to be a bureau de change operator, based in Abuja.
Musa, who was led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who tendered two record books through the witness.
The witness claimed to be familiar with the defendants, but could not recall details of his relationship with them.
Musa denied knowing one Hudu’driver whose name was contained in one of the record books tendered by the prosecution, which was marked as Exhibit G.
The witness, who said he could not speak English and could neither read nor write, testified through an interpreter who translated his testimony in Hausa to English.
Midway into his testimony, the witness suddenly became uncomfortable, prompting the judge, Justice James Omotosho to ask what the problem was.
Responding, Musa said he was feeling unwell and that he has developed high blood pressure, following which the judge to asked again if he needed time.
At a point, the judge asked an official of the court to get water for the witness, and a bottle of water was brought for him.
The witness drank from the bottle and later requested that he be given sometime, which request the judge acceded to.
The judge said he should use the time to attend to his health and familiarise himself with the transactions that he said his boys recorded for him in the tendered record books.
Justice Omotosho then adjourned till February 13, 22 and 23 for continuation of trial.
Bello (who is the first defendant) was represented by Z. E Abass, while Suleiman (the second defendant) was represented by Nureini Jimoh (SAN)
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