The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the objection filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s move to present a judgment from a previous case as evidence in his ongoing money laundering trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering the ruling on Thursday, held that the EFCC’s objection was “preemptive” and lacked merit, affirming that the document in question met the legal criteria for admissibility under Sections 102 and 104 of the Evidence Act.
The defense counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had sought to tender a certified true copy of a judgment from the FCT High Court in the case between Ali Bello and the Incorporated Trustees of the American International School of Abuja, tagged suit number FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023. The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinhero (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that the prosecution had not yet closed its case.
However, Daudu maintained that the judgment was crucial and directly related to the facts of the ongoing trial.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite agreed, saying: “The admissibility of documents is determined by whether the facts are pleaded, the relevance of the document, and its compliance with evidentiary requirements.”
He emphasized that the document was clearly relevant and properly certified, adding.
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“It is glaring that the document in the case of Ali Bello vs AISA relates to the facts in this matter. The prosecution’s objection is, therefore, premature and is hereby overruled.”
The judge further noted that Nigerian courts are moving away from a reliance on technicalities and focusing more on substantive justice.
“The era of shutting out evidence on flimsy procedural grounds is behind us. Courts now emphasize substantial justice,” Justice Nwite stated.
The document was officially admitted into evidence and marked as Exhibit 19.
The case continues with further proceedings scheduled by the court.
