Banker Reveals ‘Huge Transfers’ in N10 Billion Money Laundering Trial of Kogi Government Accounts

In the ongoing N10 billion money laundering trial involving Ali Bello, nephew of Kogi governor Yahaya Bello, and two others, a prosecution witness, Banada Edward, a banker with United Bank for Africa (UBA), detailed how substantial funds were transferred in tranches from the accounts of the Kogi state government. Edward, a Compliance Officer with UBA, provided this testimony before Justice James Omotsho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The witness, presented by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, shared a statement of account generated from UBA, showcasing transactions in the state government and state government’s house administration accounts. Notably, there were cash withdrawals on December 23, 2022, amounting to N20 million, withdrawn in tranches of N10 million each from the Kogi State Government account in favor of Kudu Abdulsalam.

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Oyedepo sought to tender these transactions as evidence, facing opposition from defense counsels A.M Alilu and Nureini Jimoh. The defense argued that the documents did not meet the requirements of the Evidence Act. In response, Oyedepo emphasized the documents’ authenticity and relevance to the trial, urging the court to disregard the defense’s objections.

Justice Omotsho ruled in favor of the prosecution, admitting the documents as evidence. The witness continued to examine transactions, including cheque withdrawals, inflows, and cash transfers, revealing a complex financial web.

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The trial is scheduled to resume on February 5 and 6 for the continuation of the hearing, with Ali Bello, Yahaya Bello, and two others facing charges related to misappropriation and money laundering. The court closely examines the evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in this high-stakes case.