*Bello Asks Court To Release Passport For Medical Trip — EFCC Opposes, Cites ‘Abuse Of Court Process’
Mshelia Arhyel-Bata, the fourth prosecution witness (PW-4) for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday denied allegations that he was harassed by security aides attached to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Arhyel-Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, made the clarification before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, concluded cross-examination for the day.
The witness stated that he wanted his clarification to be on record, in response to a concern earlier raised by EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, at the beginning of the day’s proceedings.
Earlier, Pinheiro had told the court: “The witness informed me that he was harassed by one or two security officers attached to the defendant. I am not seeking any pronouncement, but I wish to bring it to your Lordship’s attention, so that whoever did that can be cautioned,” describing the alleged act as criminal.
Responding, Mr Daudu assured the court that he would investigate the authenticity of the allegation and report back at the next adjourned date.
“This is not the first witness we have cross-examined, and no such complaint has been raised before. I will investigate and get back to the court. It is not in our nature,” he said.
Daudu also expressed interest in meeting with the witness to ascertain who the alleged security personnel was.
Justice Nwite responded, “I understand that you are not seeking any ruling. Since learned counsel for the defence has promised to investigate, I am confident this matter will be resolved.”
After the cross-examination, Arhyel-Bata sought permission to speak further, saying, “My Lord, I want this to be on record. I wish to clarify the matter raised earlier before the commencement of proceedings. I was not harassed by any of the security personnel attached to the defendant, either today or previously. There was no harassment, and I felt the need to clarify this. I want it on the record that there was no altercation at all.”
Bello’s counsel, Daudu, commended the witness for his honesty and integrity in making the clarification.
Before the adjournment, Daudu also drew the court’s attention to a report on the EFCC’s website alleging that the commission’s witness was harassed in court by Bello’s aides. He said the EFCC had misrepresented facts about the previous day’s proceedings and noted that a formal application would be filed in response at the appropriate time.
Pinheiro responded that he would notify the EFCC office about the publication.
During cross-examination, Arhyel-Bata confirmed that former Governor Bello was neither a signatory to nor connected with any of the accounts presented as evidence. Reviewing Exhibit 22A, from pages 24 to 413, he affirmed that Bello’s name did not appear in any of the documents as a beneficiary of any transaction.
“I am here to speak on the documents before me. From the documents, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello’s name did not appear in any description or as a beneficiary in any transaction,” he said.
The witness also confirmed the identities of account signatories for the Kogi State Government House Administration and verified letters introducing replacements for some key officials.
At one point, Pinheiro objected to Daudu’s question regarding whether Bello benefited from any transactions, arguing that the question should be limited to the documents, as the witness is not a legal expert.
“But the witness, as an expert, knows what to say,” Justice Nwite replied.
Arhyel-Bata had earlier explained that he supervises a cluster of 13 Zenith Bank branches in Abuja and surrounding areas such as Gwagwalada, University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello Way, Baze University, and Garki, among others. He confirmed that his responsibilities do not extend beyond the Federal Capital Territory.
The witness was also asked to identify the signatories and their designations on the accounts referenced in the documents, which he listed, including permanent secretaries, chief accountants, and accountants.
