The trial of Ali Bello, a cousin of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, and Dauda Suleiman for alleged misappropriation and money laundering was suspended yesterday 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 in Abuja.
The witness was led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) who tendered two record books through the witness.
Musa claimed to be familiar with the defendants but could not recall details of his relationship with them.
He denied knowing Hudu’s driver, whose name was in one of the record books tendered by the prosecution and marked as Exhibit G.
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The witness, who said he could neither speak English, read or write, testified through an interpreter who translated his testimony from Hausa to English.
Midway into his testimony, Musa suddenly became uncomfortable, prompting the judge, Justice James Omotosho, to ask what the problem was.
The witness said he was feeling unwell and had developed high blood pressure, prompting the judge to ask 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 given to him.
The witness drank from the water and later requested that he be given sometime, which the judge acceded to.
The judge advised Musa to 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 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).