The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 8 for a ruling on whether a judgment from the Federal Capital Territory High Court regarding the payment of school fees will be admitted as evidence in the ongoing case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice Emeka Nwite announced the date after both the Defence and Prosecution presented their arguments on the admissibility of key documents related to the case.
The judgment from the FCT High Court, involving Ali Bello and the Incorporated Trustees of the American International School, is pivotal as it pertains to the payment of school fees for Bello’s children.
During the proceedings, Yahaya Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), sought to introduce the judgment, which addresses a dispute about the payment or refund of school fees. Daudu also attempted to submit receipts verifying the recertification of the said documents.
However, Kemi Phinero (SAN), representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), objected to the documents’ admissibility, citing Section 232 of the Evidence Act. Phinero argued that since the prosecution had not yet closed its case, the defence should not be allowed to introduce evidence at this stage.
In response, Daudu emphasized that the relevance of documents governed their admissibility, noting that once a document is deemed relevant to the case, it becomes automatically admissible.
He referred to Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Evidence Act, which affirm this principle, and highlighted portions of the judgment where certain reliefs were denied, but the fee agreement was upheld.
Daudu further contended that the document’s connection to the American International School (AISA) and its significance to the case justified its inclusion. He dismissed the prosecution’s objection as speculative, pointing out that the defence was simply exercising its right to tender relevant public records.
The Prosecution, however, maintained that the Defence had failed to prove that the documents fell within the bounds of Section 232 of the Evidence Act. Phinero urged the court to reject the documents based on this argument.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to May 8 and 9, 2025, for a ruling on the admissibility of the FCT High Court judgment and to continue with the trial. The ruling will determine whether these documents will be included in the proceedings as the defence builds its case.
Earlier in the trial, EFCC Counsel had presented Exhibit 13P1, a telex from a bank to American International School, which was identified by the witness, Nicholas Ohehomon.
The witness also confirmed several other exhibits related to transfers made by Forza Oil and Gas on behalf of the former governor’s children.
However, the Defence Counsel interrupted the proceedings, questioning the witness’s identification of the receipts and demanding the names listed on the receipts.
As the matter continues, all eyes are on the May 8 decision, which could have a significant impact on the trajectory of this high-profile case.
