The high-stakes trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello exploded today as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tendered fresh bank statements revealing suspicious multi-million naira flows, school fees payments, and “security fund” transfers totaling billions!
In a packed courtroom at the FCT High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Maryanne Anineh, EFCC prosecutors led by Kemi Pinheiro SAN grilled witnesses from Zenith, Keystone, FCMB, and Sterling Banks.
The charges? Criminal breach of trust and money laundering of ₦110.4 billion involving Bello and two co-defendants – Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
Key Explosive Revelations from Today’s Session:
Zenith Bank witness confirmed massive inflows labeled “Security Fund” – ₦50m, ₦60m, ₦100m tranches – followed by immediate withdrawals by co-defendant Hudu.
Strange ₦10m cheque to “Halims Hotels and Tours” and cash collections by Hudu with zero explanation of purpose.
Government House account signatories included Hudu as Accountant – but witnesses insisted they don’t know how the money was spent.
Keystone Bank exposed ₦100m in ₦10m tranches credited to Dantata & Sawoe Construction in February 2021 from individuals like Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak.
FCMB witness dropped a shocker: ₦30m transferred from Kunfayakun Global Ltd to American International School for “Abdul Bashir” school fees – on the SAME DAY suspicious ₦30m credits arrived!
Sterling Bank revealed hundreds of millions flowing into Bespoke Business Solutions from Kogi Internal Revenue Service, including ₦242m for “purchase of OBPEH” and contractor payments.
Defense lawyers fought hard during cross-examination, but the bank officials stood firm: “We don’t know the purpose of these payments.”
The EFCC is painting a picture of systematic diversion of state funds. Tomorrow (January 16) the trial continues – expect more fireworks!
Why This Case is Gripping Nigeria RIGHT NOW:
Yahaya Bello ruled Kogi for 8 years amid controversy. Now facing 16 counts, he’s accused of looting billions meant for development. With witnesses from top banks laying out cold, hard transaction trails, Nigerians are asking: Where did all that money go?
This isn’t just a trial – it’s a reckoning for accountability in governance. Will justice finally catch up