Former Kogi Governor Bello’s Trial Continues as EFCC Presents Bank Records in ₦10.4 Billion Case
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, resumed on Thursday before Justice Maryanne Anineh at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tendering additional bank records as evidence.
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Bello, alongside co-defendants Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦10.4 billion. The prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that Prosecution Witness Six (PW6), Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, would undergo further cross-examination.
During proceedings, Bata detailed multiple transactions from various accounts, including entries showing large sums transferred to private entities and individuals. When questioned on the purpose of several ₦10 million withdrawals, Bata clarified that he could not ascertain their intended use.
The defense teams, led by J.B. Daudu, SAN, and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, cross-examined the witness to challenge the connection between the transactions and the defendants, with objections raised and sustained by the court regarding assumptions about the roles of certain bank signatories.
Following PW6’s testimony, the prosecution called Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7), Mohammed Bello Hassan of Keystone Bank, who confirmed statements of account for Dantata and Sawoe Construction for 2021. Witnesses Eight (PW8) and Nine (PW9) also appeared, presenting compliance certificates and statements of account from FCMB and Sterling Bank related to Kunfayakun Global Limited and Bespoke Business Solutions Limited, highlighting multiple credit inflows and withdrawals from government and private sources.
The accounts presented detailed transactions, including transfers from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, payments to contractors, and other large tranches spanning several years, forming a key part of the prosecution’s evidence.
Justice Anineh adjourned the trial to Friday, 16 January 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
Former Kogi Governor Bello’s Trial Continues as EFCC Presents Bank Records in ₦10.4 Billion Case