A bank opening mandate connected with the ongoing trial of the former National Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and son, Mohammed Abba, has been admitted as exhibit by an Abuja Federal High Court.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed on Wednesday admitted the GT Bank statement of account, account opening documentation and other relevant documents related to the account after the prosecution sought its admission as exhibit.
Bello Haliru and his son, Abba Mohammed, alongside their company, Bam Project and Properties Limited, are facing corruption charges, for allegedly receiving N300 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
A witness Iheme Jasper, a staff and relationship manager of the GT Bank told the court how he was summoned on Dec. 2, 2015 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission concerning the defendants’ account.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, A. O. Atolagbe, Jasper said a debit entry of N70,000 was done from GT Bank in Birnin Kebbi on March 18, 2015.
He also said on the same date, a credit of N178,800,000 was made being an inflow from Sterling Bank by order of BAM project and properties.
“On March 19, 2015 a debit entry of N50,000,000 was done at a GT Bank in Birnin Kebbi branch and another debit of N30,000,000 on same date,” he added.
When cross-examined by Mohammed counsel, Emmanuel Ekong, Jasper said he has no idea on the source of the money or what it was meant for.
However, the judge who had on the last adjourned date, April 11 dismissed an application of Mohammed Abba to travel abroad for medical treatment, granted the release of his passport.
Haliru who also applied through his counsel John Ochogo, for the interim release of his international passport to enable him travel for medical treatment was also granted the request.
The judge ordered that Abba and Haliru’s international passports be released to them to enable them go for medical checkup since the applications were not opposed by the prosecution.
The judge however ordered that Haliru’s passport shall be released to him only when Abba is back and submits his passport.
He adjourned the matter until May 24 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)
