The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to May 8. The case, involving an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, was adjourned as the court prepares to rule on the admissibility of a previous judgment that Bello’s legal team sought to introduce.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who is presiding over the case, is set to decide on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s objection to a judgment from an Abuja High Court. The judgment reportedly dismissed allegations that Bello used state funds to pay school fees for his four children at the American International School in Abuja, as well as fees for an unborn child.
At the latest hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), attempted to present the judgment in court. However, EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), objected, arguing that the defense could not introduce such a document at this stage of the proceedings, especially before the prosecution had closed its case.
Pinheiro referenced Section 232 of the Evidence Act, stating that only a witness’s previous written statement could be tendered at this stage. He further argued that “even in election petitions, documents cannot be presented from the bar while the opposing side is still presenting its case.”
Daudu countered, stating that the judgment in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023 was directly relevant to the trial. He noted that the Evidence Act allows for the admission of documents based on their relevance to ongoing proceedings.
After listening to both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the hearing to give a ruling on the matter.
During the hearing, an internal auditor at the American International School, Nicholas Ojehomon, testified as the third prosecution witness (PW-3). He revealed that payments made to the school on behalf of Bello’s children were transferred through Telex.
The transactions included:
- $49,600 from Forza Oil and Gas for Zahra Omenetke Bello
- $44,700 from the same company for Fatima Oziohu Bello
- $11,000 from Whales Oil and Gas for Farida Oricha Bello
- $78,160 from Aleshua Solutions Services for Fatima Oziohu Bello
- $42,170 from the same company for Na’ima Ohunene Bello
He also mentioned payments made by other entities, including Unnati General Trading LLC, which sent $75,000 in two separate transactions for Fareed and Zahra Bello. Additionally, a man identified as Manzi Issa from Uganda transferred $100,000, while Dada Grand Merchant Ltd, based in Uganda, deposited $90,000.
When asked if Yahaya Bello’s name appeared as the sender of any of these payments, Ojehomon responded, “I hereby confirm that Ali Bello and Yahaya Bello, from the document before me, are not the senders.” He also confirmed that the school issued receipts for all payments in the names of the former governor’s children.
The EFCC has accused Bello of using five proxies to purchase 13 luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai with funds allegedly misappropriated from Kogi State’s treasury. The commission further claimed that he attempted to conceal over N3 billion by distributing it among associates.
Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Bello wired over $700,000 to a U.S. bank account, violating the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
The prosecution also named Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, along with four others—Dauda Suleiman, Shehu Bello, Rabiu Musa, and an individual identified as Hudu, who is reportedly at large—as accomplices in the alleged fraud.
According to the EFCC, these actions constitute a breach of public trust under the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
Bello has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail while the case continues. The court is expected to resume proceedings on May 8.
