The trial of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in respect of legal fees paid to him for jobs done for Akwa Ibom State governor continued today at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The Prosecution witness ,Udom Idongetsit today admitted that other Law firms received payment from the professional fees paid to Mr Usoro.
In her evidence in Chief,the prosecution witness tendered a document showing that Paul Usoro paid in the sum of N300,000,000.00 (Three hundred million Naira) into an account she opened for him. On further questioning by the prosecution,she turned summersault and said that she was the one who actually deposited the money. She said she filled the deposit slips and wrote Paul Usoro’s name.
The Lead defence counsel Offiong Offiong SAN raised an objection and pointed out the discrepancies in the evidence of the prosecution witness which he said was contradictory.
He also argued that the witness was giving evidence on a document tendered before the court which offends the position of the law and the court in a ruling previously delivered by the court.
The Prosecution, argued that what the witness said did not amount to contradiction strictly speaking but an explanation.
The defence counsel responded on point of Law and the court adjourned the ruling to the next date but continued with the trial.
Mr Paul Usoro has been consistent with his statement that the fees were for professional jobs done by his firm and other firms .At the trial today,the Prosecution witness admitted that monies were paid to law firms from the account of Mr Usoro’s firm.
She said that transfers were made to sum of N2.5 million to one Assam Ekanem(N2.5million); Taiwo Oyetibo & Co(N75 million); Onyechi Ikpeazu(N50 million) N30 million to OEB Offiong and N75 million to DD Dodo & Co.
The matter has been adjourned to January and February for continuation.
