Yahaya Bello’s ₦80.2 Billion Fraud Trial: Court Admits Key Financial Documents
The fraud case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented two witnesses and submitted multiple financial documents as evidence.
During the session, the court reviewed records, including the statement of account of the Kogi State Government House and financial transactions linked to the American International School, Abuja, where Bello’s children are enrolled.
Allegations and Investigation Findings
The EFCC has accused Bello of making an advance payment of $760,000 in school fees for his children at the American International School, Abuja, just before leaving office. Investigators claim the school later refunded the amount to the commission.
Bank Officials Testify in Court
At the hearing, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) called Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, to testify under subpoena. Abimbola presented several financial records, including:
- The account details of the Kogi State Government House (January 2016 – January 2024).
- Transaction records of the American International School, Abuja (September 2020).
- Financial statements linked to an individual named Macelina Njoku (January – December 2022).
The court admitted the documents without objections from the defense.
Next Steps in the Trial
Following the submission of evidence, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to March 6 and 7, 2025, for the next hearing.
Bello, facing 19 charges related to alleged money laundering, maintains his innocence. The trial is expected to continue with further testimonies and document reviews.
