The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that it plans to present 28 additional witnesses in the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. This announcement came during Thursday’s proceedings in the ongoing case involving 19 charges of money laundering.
The prosecution’s lead counsel, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, revealed that ten witnesses would be subpoenaed to testify and present relevant documents. This development occurred just before the court adjourned the case, allowing the defence team more time to cross-examine the third witness, Mr. Nicholas Ojehomon, an internal auditor from the American International School in Abuja.
The EFCC has accused Bello of channelling funds from Kogi State’s treasury to the school for the future tuition fees of his four children, including one not yet born. However, during cross-examination, Ojehomon admitted that no funds from the Kogi government were deposited into the school’s account. He acknowledged that Yahaya Bello’s name was not on the transaction records.
Ojehomon explained that his role as an internal auditor involved ensuring the school’s compliance with its policies and stated that Bello’s children’s admissions followed the school’s procedures. When questioned about a letter from the EFCC alleging the funds were proceeds of crime, Ojehomon confirmed the school had refunded $760,910.84 following the accusation, transferring the amount to an account provided by the EFCC.
Despite objections from the EFCC, the court allowed an Abuja High Court ruling regarding the tuition fee refund to be presented in evidence. In Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023, this judgment involved a dispute between Ali Bello and the school over the refund, which the defence argued was relevant to the case.
The trial is part of a broader investigation into a suspected N80.2 billion fraud. Bello is accused of using illicit funds to purchase 13 properties in prime locations in Abuja and Dubai. He is also charged with attempting to conceal over N3 billion by entrusting proxies to hold it for him and transferring more than $700,000 to a bank in the United States, violating the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, faces serious charges related to public trust violations and money laundering. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains on bail as the trial continues.
