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Tag: Yahaya Bello

Alleged ₦80.2bn Kogi Fraud: How ₦3.1bn Kogi LGs Funds Were Lodged into E-traders Account in Eight Months — Witness

Fola Badmus05 mins

The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, continued on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with the continuation of testimony by Prosecution Witness Seven, PW7, Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank. Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of ₦80,246,470,088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty-Nine Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo). Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Egoro gave a detailed breakdown of financial transactions involving the accounts of Fazab Business Enterprise and E-traders International Limited, which allegedly received funds traced to Kogi State local government councils. After reminding the witness that he was still on oath, Pinheiro applied that Exhibit 33(8), the statement of account of Fazab Business Enterprise be shown to the witness. He drew his attention to inflows recorded on May 6, 2022, and May 9, 2022. Responding, Egoro told the court that on May 6, 2022, there were 11 inflows into the Fazab Business Enterprise account. He confirmed that the inflows came from different local government councils in Kogi State, including Yagba East, Yala, Ida and Okene. On the transactions of May 9, 2022, the witness stated that there were three transactions, comprising two inflows. When asked to confirm whether the inflows originated from Ibaji and Dekina Local Government Areas, Egoro answered in the affirmative, saying, “Yes, my Lord, I can confirm it came from the two local governments.” In summation, the witness told the court that the total inflow on May 6, 2022, amounted to ₦103,375,059.73, while the two inflows on May 9, 2022, totalled ₦14,563,702.56, bringing the cumulative sum to ₦117,938,762.29. Pinheiro further drew the witness’s attention to cash withdrawals that followed the inflows. Asked to identify the individual who made a ₦10 million cash withdrawal from the account, Egoro replied, “My Lord, it is Yakubu Siyaka A.” He confirmed that Yakubu Siyaka A. made cash withdrawals on several dates, namely May 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24 and 26, 2022. In total, the witness said the cash withdrawals made by Yakubu Siyaka A. between May 9 and May 26, 2022, amounted to ₦116,600,000. When asked whether, in view of his testimony, almost the entire inflow of ₦117,938,762.29 from the local governments in May 2022 was withdrawn in cash, Egoro answered, “Yes, my Lord.” The witness further told the court that by May 31, 2022, only a balance of about N1,00, 289,41 (One million, Two hundred and Eighty-nine Naira Forty-one kobo) remained in the Fazab account. Turning to June and July 2022, Egoro testified that there were consistent inflows from various Kogi State local governments. He stated that the total inflow for June 2022 was ₦108,793,086.69, while July 2022 recorded inflows of ₦141,718,056.30, bringing the total inflow for both months to ₦250,511,142.99. He confirmed that during the same period, Yakubu Siyaka A. continued to make cash withdrawals from the account. According to him, the total cash withdrawals in June and July 2022 amounted to ₦198,900,000. When asked if almost ₦200 million was withdrawn in cash from the inflows of the two months, the witness responded, “Yes, my Lord, that’s correct.” Egoro further testified that the pattern of inflows from Kogi State local governments and corresponding cash withdrawals persisted in August and September 2022. He also confirmed that similar credit entries and withdrawal patterns were observed in October, November and December 2022.  

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EFCC Reaffirms Yahaya Bello Innocent Until Proven Guilty, Court To Decide Outcome

Wale busari03 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stressed that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. The commission’s statement comes amid public debate over Bello’s announcement to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027. He is currently standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of misappropriating ₦80.2 billion of Kogi State funds during his tenure as governor. Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal prosecutions in Nigeria require time, involving the presentation of evidence and witnesses before the court. He emphasized that the outcome of Bello’s trial is entirely for the judiciary to determine. “The trial is ongoing. We are presenting witnesses and evidence, but it is not the commission that will decide the matter — the court will,” Uwuajeren said. “Our responsibility is to prosecute the charges faithfully and ensure that both the prosecution and the defense receive justice.” He further noted that the Nigerian Constitution presumes anyone standing trial to be innocent until proven guilty, adding that Bello’s standing within his political party is separate from the charges before the court. “Whatever is happening within his party is the party’s business. EFCC is not a political party; we are focused solely on enforcing the law. Nothing has gone wrong in the handling of this case, and we remain committed to ensuring justice,” Uwuajeren said. The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting the case diligently while reiterating that Bello’s legal innocence remains intact until the court delivers a verdict.

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Yahaya Bello Declares 2027 Bid For Kogi Central Senatorial Seat

Wale busari02 mins

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has announced his plan to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. The declaration came during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where Bello met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from the senatorial district. A video of the visit and his announcement was shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday. “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello told the gathering. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo attended the event alongside other political leaders. Reports from Peoples Daily indicated that Ododo urged Bello to consider the calls from party leaders and constituents encouraging him to represent Kogi Central in the National Assembly. The appeal was made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures. Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, remains a leading figure within the All Progressives Congress in the state. The Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, also commended Bello for declaring his senatorial ambition. Eneji praised the former governor’s efforts toward the unity and development of the Ebira people, noting that his leadership would remain a significant part of Ebiraland’s history. The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is presently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, is the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.

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Federal High Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial To January 2026

Wale busari04 mins

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to January 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing. Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the new date after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) seventh prosecution witness, Olomotame Egoro, could not complete his testimony on Tuesday. Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, was being led in evidence by EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN). During the proceedings, Pinheiro sought to tender several documents marked as Exhibits 33 (1–11) and 34. However, Bello’s lead counsel, Abdullahi Yahaya (SAN), objected, arguing that the documents had not been disclosed to the defence team and that the certificate of identification attached was signed by one Faruk Idiaro, not the witness in court. Yahaya further claimed that the documents were different from those listed in the proof of evidence served on the defence. In response, Pinheiro maintained that the certificate’s signatory was not material to the authenticity of the documents and urged the court to stand down the matter briefly so both sides could cross-check the records. The court granted the request and directed both parties to reconcile the discrepancies before resuming. When the trial resumed, Egoro continued his testimony, explaining the contents of the Kogi State Government House Administration’s bank statement covering December 2018 to August 2021. He identified cash withdrawals and deposits, including ₦50 million paid to one Aminu J.O. in ₦10 million tranches on December 21, 2018, and multiple withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu on August 1, 2019. The witness also reviewed Exhibit 33-8, a statement of Fazac Business Enterprise’s account from January 2019 to December 2022, confirming several inflows from local government accounts across the state. The transactions included deposits ranging between ₦4.49 million and ₦14.45 million on May 6, 2022, and two additional inflows of ₦7.12 million and ₦9.4 million on May 9, 2022. Following hours of testimony, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 29 and 30, and February 4 and 5, 2026, for continuation of trial. It would be recalled that at the previous sitting, the EFCC’s fourth prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, testified that the Kogi State Government’s withdrawals did not violate any banking laws. Bata also confirmed that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear as a beneficiary in the accounts linked to the transactions presented by the anti-graft agency.

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Yahaya Bello Says Tinubu Need Not Visit Kogi For 2027 Elections, Declares No Opposition

Wale busari01 mins

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello has said President Bola Tinubu does not need to campaign in the state for the 2027 elections, insisting there is no opposition. Speaking at a rally endorsing Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo for second terms, Bello expressed confidence in his reelection and praised the president’s contributions to Kogi. “Those making noise elsewhere have not seen the lion. When the lion roars, they will run with their tails,” Bello said, adding that Tinubu is a leader people naturally rally behind. He also commended Governor Ododo’s performance and thanked the president for infrastructure development, appointments, efforts against insecurity, and financial support to the state. Bello prayed for both Tinubu and Ododo, wishing them long life, good health, and prosperity, and said the APC would lead Kogi to “the promised land.”

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Court Orders Senate to Recall Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fines Her N5m for Contempt

Fola Badmus03 mins

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Nigerian Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension as “unduly excessive” and harmful to the democratic rights of her constituents in Kogi Central. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Nyako noted that the lengthy suspension deprived the people of valid representation, and urged the Senate to review its sanction procedures to ensure they are not overly punitive or unconstitutional. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a suit against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions — over what she described as unlawful suspension. However, in a twist, the court also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for a Facebook post she made on April 27, 2025, which featured a satirical apology to the Senate despite an earlier April 4 court order restraining public commentary on the case. As a result, the court fined the senator N5 million and ordered her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers within seven days and on her Facebook page within two days. The senator had been suspended on March 6, 2025, following accusations of gross misconduct, including a refusal to sit in her reassigned seat during a plenary session on February 20 — a move the Senate deemed as a violation of its standing rules. Friday’s ruling comes amid Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenges, including a separate cybercrime charge, for which she is currently out on bail. Ask ChatGPT

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Why School Withheld $84,942 from Yahaya Bello’s Children’s School Fees -Witness

Fola Badmus06 mins

The trial of the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello continued on Thursday, March 8, 2025 with the third Prosecution Witness, PW3, Nicholas Ojehomon, explaining under cross-examination before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja that the American International School, Abuja, AISA, retained part of the school fees linked to Bello’s daughters because it represented legitimate tuition fees earned by the institution. Findings by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had shown that a total sum of $845,852.84 linked to proceeds of unlawful activities was paid to AISA for Bello’s children and demanded a full refund of it. However, only $760,910.84 was returned to the Commission by the school. The defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN had in the cross-examination, pressed the witness, an auditor with the school to account for the $84,942 difference in the amount paid to the school and what was refunded to the EFCC. In response, the witness explained that the refunded amount represented advance school fees paid for the children, while the retained sum was for tuition already rendered during the academic session. “The $760,910.84 was the portion of the school fees paid in advance, and it was refunded to the EFCC. The difference was the net fee due for the academic session, which the school retained as legitimate tuition,” he said. At a previous sitting, the witness had testified that all payments made to the school whether by individuals or by international companies were for the exclusive benefit of Bello’s children. He identified the children as Zara Omoneke Bello, Fatima Bello, Na’ima Ohunene Bello, and Farid Bello. He further stated that the school unilaterally opted to retain the balance based on its internal billing structure, and that no directive from the EFCC instructed them to withhold any part of the payment. As the cross-examination tended to go off the rails, prosecution counsel Olukayode Eniola, SAN objected, describing the line of questioning by the defence as an attempt to draw the witness into giving opinions beyond the scope of the documents before the court. “He is not standing trial and must be protected from speculative or prejudicial questioning,” he said. Following the objection, the defence sought adjournment to allow it time to review the next exhibit or alternatively, that the case be stood down for sometime. This drew the ire of the lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who accused the defence of deliberately stalling the proceedings. The lead prosecution counsel further raised concerns about the inconvenience caused to prosecution witnesses by coming to court without having the opportunity to testify. “My lord, I’m worried that witnesses are leaving their places of work only not to be called upon in court. This is a case of high public interest. I have 28 witnesses and have only taken three,” he said. Justice Nwite in adjourning the matter till Friday, May 9, 2025 for continuation of cross-examination of the witness directed that all necessary reviews of documents and exhibits be completed ahead of the adjourned date to avoid further delays and to ensure a smooth continuation of the trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Yahaya Bello on a 19-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion. The charges are in violation of Section 18(a) and are punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

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Alleged N3bn Fraud: How Kogi State LG Funds were Laundered -Witness

Fola Badmus06 mins

The Sixth Prosecution Witness, PW6, Remigius Egu in the trial of Ali Bello, Yakubu Isiaka Adabenege, Abba Adaudu and Iyada Sadat on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, narrated before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, how funds belonging to various Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Kogi State were allegedly diverted and laundered through private accounts. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting the quartet on 18-count charges, bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over N3 billion. Bello, the first defendant is nephew of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello as well as the current Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the witness, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank identified documents marked “Exhibits E and E1” as having originated from Zenith Bank. He also confirmed that a letter dated March 16, 2022, addressed to the EFCC Zonal Commander, pertained to an account belonging to a customer, Adabenege, the second defendant, and contained transaction evidence from the bank. In his breakdown of the transactions, the witness told the court that multiple inflows of large sums of money from several Kogi State LGAs were traced to the account of Korforte Concept Limited on October 4, 2023. These he said were as follows: Ogori Magongo LGA: N14,844,640.57; Ibeji LGA: N18,629,944.51; Adavi LGA: N20,887,557.54; Kogi LGA: N17,929.59; Kabba/Bunu LGA: N18,460,569.12; Ajaokuta LGA: N22,764,334.70; Okene LGA: 20,758,710.37; Yagba West LGA: N18,234,063.61; Ofu LGA: N21,368,633.69. “My Lord, all the inflows were received on October 4, 2023,” he said. Before the inflows, the witness disclosed that the balance in the Korforte Concept Limited account was a mere N7,370 (Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy Naira) and that on the same day, a transaction of N110 million was made from the account to Adaudu one of the defendants. He further revealed that on October 5, 2018, more funds were funnelled into the same account from additional LGAs that included: Igalamela/Odolu LGA: N19,480,651.20; Olamaboro LGA: N19,089,517.01; Dekina LGA: N23,373,201.67; Ibaji LGA: N15,653,631.39; Omala LGA: N16,876,252.03; Lokoja LGA: N20,591,073.74. He also disclosed that a transfer of N21.9 million to one Musa Omuya was made from the account that same day. Further in his testimony, the witness disclosed that there were more inflows into the account on October 8, 2018, being N17,369,243.52 from Ijumu LGA and N17,471,549.57 from Bassa LGA. On October 10, 2018, he said that transactions from the account showed N10 million, wired to Musa Omuya and N5.1 million and N5 million, respectively, wired to Adaudu. Earlier in the proceedings, the Fifth Prosecution Witness, PW5, Oyinkosola Akerele Shukurat, the Managing Director of Forza Oil and Gas Limited, disclosed that the company, which also engages in foreign exchange transactions, received a payment from a customer, named Abdul Bashir for the purchase of U.S. dollars. She further disclosed that the dollars that were procured were sent to four beneficiaries, three of whom were identified as Fatima Bello, Na’ima Bello, and Zara Bello, for the payment of their school fees at the American International School (AIS), totalling $139,000. When shown Page 14 and 15 of “Exhibit D” series, the witness identified a payment of $49,600, with $44,700 sent to AIS on behalf of Fatima Bello. On Page 23 of the same exhibit, she confirmed another $44,700 payment for Fatima Bello. The final transaction, according to her, was $44,700 for Na’ima Bello. She was cross-examined by defence counsel A.M. Aliyu, SAN and Nureini Jimoh, SAN. Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter till May 5, 19, 20, and 21, 2025, for continuation of trial.

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