The prosecution in the ongoing ₦80.2 billion fraud case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has raised alarm over alleged harassment of one of its key witnesses.
At Thursday’s resumed hearing before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, lead prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the fourth prosecution witness (PW4), Mashelia Aryan Mashelia Bata — a compliance officer with Zenith Bank — had faced intimidation.
Pinheiro alleged that the harassment was carried out by one or two security personnel believed to be attached to the defendant, describing the act as a direct attempt to interfere with the criminal justice process.
“This is a serious interference with the criminal justice process,” Pinheiro stated, urging the court to take the matter seriously.
In response, defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, expressed skepticism over the allegation, stating that there was no confirmation yet that the accused persons were indeed Yahaya Bello’s security aides. However, he pledged to investigate the matter.
“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,” Daudu assured.
Meanwhile, cross-examination of PW4, Mashelia Bata, is still ongoing as the high-profile trial continues to draw national attention.
