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N10b Money Laundering: Bureau De Change Operator Testifies Against Newly Appointed Kogi Chief Of Staff And Yahaya Bello’s Nephew, Dauda Suleiman
N10b Money Laundering: Bureau De Change Operator Testifies Against Kogi Chief Of Staff And Yahaya Bello’s Nephew, Dauda Suleiman
Written By Oshiobugie John
A Prosecuting Witness Three (PW3), in the trial of Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman who are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that Suleiman usually frequents his office for various business transactions, including buying, borrowing, or selling dollars. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
The witness, Rabiu Musa Tafada, a Bureau de Change Operator, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, informed the court that the second defendant was his regular patron. Bello and Suleiman are standing trial for money laundering amounting to the tune of N10 billion.
Tafada, whose office is located at Plot 2339, Ladi Kwali Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, operates a Bureau de Change business known as “Rabiu Tafada Global Ventures,” revealed during his testimony, when led by Prosecution Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that he recognized the second defendant because he frequently visits his office or sends representatives to transact business with him.
He commenced his testimony by stating that sometime in 2023, the EFCC visited his office and confiscated some documents, including a hard-copy notebook and an exercise book. The items were presented to him during the proceedings, and he acknowledged them as the documents seized by the Commission.
In light of his submission, Oyedepo sought the court’s permission to tender the items as evidence, but the defense objected to their admissibility. Defense Counsel, Nureini Jimoh, SAN, observed loose sheets among the items presented by the witness, requesting time to examine them further.
However, Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, overruled the defense’s objection, asserting that parties could voice observations and reservations but could not impede the admissibility of documents, urging them to address any objections in their written submissions.
The items were subsequently admitted in evidence as Exhibit F & G.
During further cross-examination by Oyedepo, the witness was asked to review the contents of the exhibits. Tafada disclosed that every name in the record book either visited to exchange money or required cash, typically facilitated through a transfer to his account. He clarified that while he did not personally record the transactions due to his inability to write, his staff in the office documented them on his behalf.
“I recognize the second defendant’s face. He is Dawud because he visits either to sell, buy, or borrow money from me. On June 10, 2022, I instructed one of my staff to record Sunny Benghazi in the book, and I am familiar with the name. The transaction amounted to Fifteen Million Naira (N15m), but I cannot recall the specifics of that day; perhaps he came to exchange dollars for naira or vice versa. Similarly, on June 17, 2022, the second defendant presented a note requesting that I provide Bashir Falala with Fifty-Nine Million (59m) and Forty Million (40m), which I obliged. Sometimes he sends his driver, and other times he comes in person,” he stated.
Earlier, the prosecution drew the court’s attention to an amended charge filed before it, which had been served to all parties involved. Likewise, the defense highlighted a counter-affidavit they had filed.
After hearing PW3’s testimony, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to February 13, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
The revelation during the trial further intensifies scrutiny on financial practices and regulatory oversight within the Nigerian financial sector.
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Source: Bushradiogist
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