Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to 26 and 27 June, and 4 and 5 July, to rule on a motion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking to cross-examine its third witness.

The adjournment followed arguments between prosecution and defence counsels over the EFCC’s request to cross-examine Nicholas Ojehomon, an internal auditor at the American International School, Abuja.

Ojehomon, under cross-examination by the defence, admitted he had testified in other cases related to school fees allegedly paid by the Bello family but stated he had never made any adverse claims against Yahaya Bello.

EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, sought to cross-examine the witness on Exhibit 19, arguing that Section 36 of the Constitution guarantees fair hearing, which he said entitles the prosecution to address elements of the document introduced during the defence’s cross-examination.

However, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected, asserting that the EFCC was attempting to cross-examine its own witness, a procedure not permitted under the Evidence Act.

The judge initially declined the prosecution’s request to cross-examine the witness but permitted re-examination. When Pinheiro’s line of questioning resembled cross-examination, the judge demanded further legal clarification from both parties.

Daudu insisted that the method being pursued was legally unfounded and amounted to an “unknown procedure,” while Pinheiro referenced Supreme Court precedent allowing re-examination of documentary evidence.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter for ruling and continuation of trial on the specified dates.