At the latest court session in the ongoing ₦80.2 billion fraud trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, the prosecution raised an alarm over alleged harassment of a key witness.
During the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, Prosecution Counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that Prosecution Witness 4, Mashelia Aryan Mashelia Bata, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank, had reportedly been intimidated by individuals believed to be part of Bello’s security detail.
Pinheiro described the development as a “serious interference with the criminal justice process.”
Responding to the claim, Defence Counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, expressed scepticism about the involvement of the defendant’s security aides.
He said, “This is not the first witness to testify and none have been harassed.
However, I will look into it and get back to the court on the next adjourned date. I will also speak to the witness so he can identify who harassed him.”
Meanwhile, cross-examination of the witness is still in progress.
More updates are expected as the case unfolds.