Justice Emeka Nwite of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court adjourned the trial of ex-Governor Yahaya Bello on Thursday.

The case is now scheduled for October 7 and November 10-11.

At the resumed proceedings for the continuation of cross-examination of the fourth witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, informed the court that the witness was absent because he was attending a mandatory training that was unavoidable.

Mr Pinheiro told the court that he had hoped the defence counsel would have wrapped up his cross-examination in the previous proceedings, but did not. He then requested an adjournment due to the absence of the witness.

The defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu did not object to the prosecution’s request for adjournment. However, he drew the judge’s attention to a fresh motion he had filed to complain about publications made by the EFCC, which he alleged distorted what transpired in the courtroom.

Owing to the absence of the prosecution witness, the judge acceded to the EFCC’s application for an adjournment and adjourned the case to October 7, November 10, and 11 for the continuation of cross-examination of PW-4 and the hearing.

The former Kogi governor is facing trial over an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case involving funds from the Kogi government.

(NAN)