The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on charges of alleged diversion and misappropriation of state funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion, was adjourned on Monday.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, moved the continuation of the trial to November 11, following proceedings that saw the cross-examination of one key witness and the testimonies of three compliance and relationship officers from various commercial banks.
The proceedings began with the continuation of the cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness (PW4), Mashelia Arhyel, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank.
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Arhyel confirmed to the defence counsel, J.B. Daudu that multiple cash withdrawals were made from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account by two individuals, Abdulsalam Hudu and Comfort Olufunke, in multiples of ₦10 million.
He also testified that numerous hotels, including Idrinana Hotels, Edge Drive Hotels, JF Hotels, May Treasure Resort, Halims Hotels, Nostalgia Suites, and Hope Confluence Hotels, were recipients of various transactions from the same account.
The witness was subsequently discharged.
Following Arhyel’s discharge, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, called three new witnesses: Jesutoni Akoni (PW5), a compliance officer with Ecobank, appeared under subpoena and tendered the 2016 statement of account for Moses Wadzu Ileku (admitted as Exhibit 29).
She identified several deposits made into the account by individuals like Ileku, Abdulwahab Sabo, and Shehu Bello, ranging from ₦3 million to ₦20 million.
Mohammed Bello Hassan (PW6), a relationship officer with Keystone Bank, produced the statement of account for Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company (admitted as Exhibit 31).
He testified that a total of ₦100 million was transferred into this account between February 17 and February 22, 2021, by Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak, though he disclosed under cross-examination that he did not know Murtala and Mubarak.
Olomotane Egoro (PW7), a compliance officer with Access Bank, was the final witness of the day.
He produced 12 sets of documents in compliance with a subpoena, informing the court that while some account opening packages were unavailable, sufficient customer details were provided from the bank’s database.
The documents were admitted in evidence without objection.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the former governor on the allegations of diverting and misappropriating a substantial sum during his tenure.
