The ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, faced significant developments in the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 6, 2025, as a key witness testified that there was no direct link between the former governor and the controversial withdrawals from a Kogi Government House bank account. The case, which has been filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Bello, centers on allegations of money laundering.
During Thursday’s proceedings, EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), called Williams Abimbola, a Compliance Officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, to testify. Abimbola was subpoenaed to provide critical documents, including the bank statements of an individual named Maselina Njoku for the period between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the document, referred to as ‘Exhibit 7,’ into evidence.
In her testimony, Abimbola confirmed that the bank had complied with the subpoena and had provided a certificate of compliance. She explained that the records showed a total of 10 withdrawals, each amounting to ₦10 million. These funds, she stated, were withdrawn on December 12, 2018, in favor of Abdulsalam Hudu, who made the transactions using cheques presented over the counter.
However, Abimbola emphasized that there was no evidence linking Yahaya Bello directly to these withdrawals. “We only have his picture on this form,” she stated when asked about any connection to the withdrawals.
During cross-examination by the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Abimbola was asked if the former governor’s name appeared in the documents related to the opening and management of the bank account. She replied firmly in the negative, confirming that the name “Yahaya Bello” was absent from the account opening documents, as well as from the bank statements provided, including the ones labeled E1 to E72.
Further, Daudu pressed the witness on whether the name appeared in “Exhibit 2P1-3P62,” a set of documents she had reviewed. Abimbola again confirmed that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in any of those records.
As Daudu concluded his cross-examination, he noted that there was a clear absence of any link between Bello and the contested withdrawals.
The defense also questioned Abimbola’s knowledge of her role as a compliance officer, asking if her duties involved protecting the bank from legal penalties and reputational damage. Abimbola confirmed her responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of the bank and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
When asked about the account’s signatories, Abimbola identified Yakubu Ismail, the Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Government House, as one of the authorized signatories. She said, “We only have his picture on this form,” referring to Ismail’s photo as part of the documentation.
Under further questioning, Daudu once again raised the absence of Yahaya Bello’s name in any document related to the account and questioned the credibility of the documents being presented.
The defense counsel also scrutinized the signatures on the documents, particularly in relation to Exhibit 7. Daudu noted inconsistencies in the witness’s previous statements. He pointed out that Abimbola had initially disowned a signature, only to later admit it under re-examination by the prosecution. He argued, “My Lord, the witness initially disowned the signature, but under re-examination, the prosecution led her to admit it. Therefore, I have the right to challenge that admission and prove that her claim regarding the signature is incorrect.”
Abimbola was asked to read the document aloud, and when she did, she referenced a signature by one Edward Bananga. “I Edward Bananga hereby certify and confirm that…,” she read from the document. Daudu quickly interjected, saying, “I put it to you that you are not Edward Bananga.”
To this, Abimbola responded, “I am not Edward Bananga, my Lord,” clarifying her position.
In a further twist, the prosecution called another witness, Nicholas Ohehomon, from the American International School (AIS), to testify about the defendant’s children. Ohehomon confirmed that the children of Yahaya Bello were enrolled in the school, and he provided statements of account, admission letters, and payment receipts as evidence.
Exhibit 12P was also tendered during Ohehomon’s testimony, which included a contractual agreement for post-paid school fees for the children. The prosecution further submitted a letter from the EFCC to AIS in Abuja, which included account details for a potential refund, and this letter was admitted as Exhibit 18.
As the day’s proceedings came to a close, Justice Nwite adjourned the trial until the following day, March 7, at 10 a.m. for the continuation of the case.
