The trial of a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over alleged money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion, continued yesterday, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The trial continued with with fresh details of how billions of naira traced to local government funds were allegedly moved through private company accounts.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7), Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank, told the court that a total of ₦3.14 billion was lodged in cash into the account of E-traders International Limited within eight months.
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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.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, Egoro presented a detailed breakdown of transactions involving the accounts of Fazab Business Enterprise and E-traders International Limited, which the prosecution alleges were used to receive funds originating from Kogi State local government councils.
While testifying on the Fazab Business Enterprise account, Egoro told the court that on May 6, 2022, there were 11 inflows from different Kogi State local governments, including Yagba East, Yala, Ida and Okene.
“On May 6, 2022, the total inflow into the account was ₦103,375,059.73,” the witness said.
He added that on May 9, 2022, two additional inflows came from Ibaji and Dekina Local Government Areas, amounting to ₦14,563,702.56.
“Yes, my Lord, I can confirm it came from the two local governments,” Egoro said.
According to him, the cumulative inflow for the two days stood at ₦117,938,762.29, most of which was subsequently withdrawn in cash.
Egoro identified Yakubu Siyaka A. as the individual who made multiple cash withdrawals from the account.
“My Lord, it is Yakubu Siyaka A.,” he said, while responding to questions on a ₦10 million withdrawal.
He told the court that between May 9 and May 26, 2022, Yakubu Siyaka made cash withdrawals totalling ₦116.6 million.
When asked whether almost the entire inflow from the local governments was withdrawn in cash, the witness replied, “Yes, my Lord.”
Egoro further testified that similar patterns continued in June and July 2022, when inflows from Kogi State local governments amounted to ₦250.5 million, out of which ₦198.9 million was withdrawn in cash.
“Yes, my Lord, that’s correct,” he said, confirming that nearly ₦200 million was withdrawn during the two months.
He told the court that from August to December 2022, the Fazab account received ₦2.19 billion, bringing the total inflow from May to December 2022 to ₦2.56 billion.
“That is over ₦2.5 billion paid into the account of Fazab Business Enterprise from Kogi State local governments within eight months,” the witness stated.
On withdrawals, Egoro said total cash withdrawals between May and December 2022 amounted to ₦582.3 million, while several transfers were also made to companies and individuals, including Hadassah Katriel Global Enterprise, which allegedly received ₦430 million in seven transfers between October and December 2022.
Turning to the account of E-traders International Limited, Egoro told the court that between July 26, 2021 and April 6, 2022, massive cash deposits were made into the account, mostly in tranches not exceeding ₦10 million.
“In total, the cash deposits into the E-traders International Limited account amounted to ₦3,145,569,654 within eight months,” he said.
When asked to confirm the figure, Egoro responded, “Yes, my Lord.”
He stated that the deposits were made by Abba Adaudu, Jamilu Abdullahi, Haruna Mohammed and Yusuf Abba, all at the Lokoja Branch of Access Bank, despite the account being opened at the Mararaba Branch in Nasarawa State.
At the close of proceedings, defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, informed the court of an application seeking the release of Bello’s international passport to enable him to travel for the lesser Hajj during Ramadan.
The prosecution said it was not opposed to the request but urged that the FCT High Court, where the defendant is facing another charge, should be formally notified.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to Friday, January 30, 2026, for the continuation of PW7’s testimony and further hearing.
