Witness Reveals N20 Billion Transfer from Kogi State Government Account in Yahaya Bello’s Nephew Trial

In a riveting development, a witness in the ongoing trial of Ali Bello, nephew of Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, and two others, disclosed details of suspicious transactions involving the transfer of N20 billion from the accounts of the Kogi State government.

The trial revolves around a N10 billion money laundering case, with the defendants facing charges of misappropriation and money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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The witness, Bananda Edward, a Compliance Officer with United Bank of Africa (UBA), testified that substantial funds were transferred in tranches from the accounts of Kogi state government and the state’s government House Administration account. These transactions were presented in a statement of account generated from UBA.

The disclosed transactions included cash withdrawals of N20 million on December 23, 2022, withdrawn in tranches of N10 million each from the Kogi State Government account, favoring Kudu Abdulsalam. The witness, led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, presented these findings to the court.

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During the presentation of the evidence, defense counsels opposed the tendering of the transactions as an exhibit, citing non-compliance with certain sections of the Evidence Act. However, the prosecution argued that the documents were original and genuine and should be considered relevant to the trial.

Justice James Omotoso ruled in favor of the prosecution, admitting the documents as evidence. The witness continued to examine other transactions, revealing cheque withdrawals, inflows, and cash transfers that took place on various dates in 2022 and 2023.

The trial is set to resume on February 5 and 6 for the continuation of the hearing. Ali Bello, Yahaya Bello, and two others are facing serious charges related to the alleged misappropriation and money laundering activities, with the court closely examining the presented evidence.