The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday presented further evidence in the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the FCT High Court, Abuja.
Naija News reports that the EFCC revealed multiple suspicious cash withdrawals allegedly connected to the Kogi State Government House accounts.
Bello faces prosecution alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering, amounting to ₦110.4 billion.
During the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the sixth prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, continued his testimony, detailing a series of large and repeated cash withdrawals by Abdulsalami Hudu and others from the Kogi State Government accounts between 2016 and 2018.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Bata reviewed several entries in Exhibit S1, confirming multiple withdrawals by the second defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu.
“On the 12th of February 2016, there were 21 withdrawals by Abdulsalami Hudu totaling ₦200 million,” Bata stated. “Similarly, on the 10th of March 2016, numerous withdrawals amounted to ₦326,598,750, later confirmed to be ₦100 million.”
He further detailed withdrawals of ₦100 million, ₦100 million, and ₦119 million on June 3, June 8, and June 10, 2016, respectively.
Responding to questions, Bata noted the consistent pattern of withdrawals in June and July of that year. “Between July 8 and 29, there were consistent cash withdrawals by Abdulsalami Hudu. The pattern continued through August,” he said.
On the source of funds, Bata stated: “On August 2, 2016, there was an inflow of ₦50 million from Kogi State statutory revenue account, followed by ₦50 million from Idhu Integrated Services on August 9, and ₦15.5 million from the Ministry of Finance on August 10.”
He added that on August 31, 2016, “there were 21 cash withdrawals by Abdulsalami Hudu totaling ₦188,741,000, with a consistent pattern into September and October 2016.”
Bata highlighted that on October 27, 2016, “there were 21 withdrawals amounting to ₦188,216,155, and on December 21, 2016, 40 withdrawals were made by Hudu.”
On May 9, 2017, “there were 29 withdrawals totaling ₦203,240,000, and on October 12, 2017, 36 withdrawals were made, while on November 1, 2017, 20 withdrawals totaled ₦200 million.”
He noted that on January 30 and 31, 2018, cash withdrawals of ₦350 million and ₦347,267,000 were made, respectively.
“On February 1 and 2, 2018, ₦300 million and ₦99,177,300 were withdrawn,” he said, adding that the total withdrawals for the four days amounted to “₦1,096,044,300.”
Bata confirmed that Exhibit S1, the statement of account, showed a zero balance as of November 14, 2016, with the first credit of ₦74,378,483.20 on December 6, 2016, followed by cash withdrawals totaling ₦30 million for Mohammed Jamiu Salihu.
Continuing, Bata mentioned that on December 9, 2016, ₦40 million was transferred to Echies Designs and Cost Associate Limited, and on April 21, 2017, ₦202,302,745.20 came from the Kogi State Internal Revenue, followed by 11 withdrawals totaling ₦101 million by Yusuf Abdulmumini.
He confirmed that on April 24, 2017, seven withdrawals by the same individual amounted to ₦66 million, with a total cash withdrawn post-inflow of ₦167 million.
Bata also testified to inflows and withdrawals in August 2017, including ₦92,444,092.06 inflow on August 9 and ₦52 million withdrawn on August 10 by Mohammed Jamiu Salihu. An inflow of ₦261,856,882.78 was recorded on August 14, followed by a ₦70 million NEFT transfer to Efab Properties on August 17.
He added that on August 18, Umar Comfort withdrew ₦18 million, and on August 15, 2017, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Comfort withdrew ₦10 million and ₦40 million, respectively, after a ₦50 million inflow from the Kogi State revenue account.
The prosecution also presented Exhibit R1, a USD account statement for Whales Oil and Gas, with Bata confirming a $11,000 transfer on November 12, 2021, to Academic Services Farida Oricha, Corporate Ibank FX, to America International School.
Bata referred to Exhibit P1, identifying debit entries for Naima Ohunene Bello and Fatima Oziohu Bello to the American International School, Abuja, totaling $42,170 and $78,160, respectively.
Following the testimony, defence counsel Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, requested an adjournment for J.B. Daudu, SAN, to cross-examine on November 13, 2025, citing the need to study the witness’s testimony.
However, Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the adjournment, arguing that the defence had no valid reason. “My lord, we were before this court when we began with this witness. The entire defence team was present, and all documents were tendered. The defence sought a stand down earlier because their leader was absent, and we objected. Now that he is here, there is no justification for adjournment,” he said.
He added, “EFCC is a serious agency; we are consistent with our witnesses and ready to proceed every day to conclude this matter. Adjournments should not be granted as a matter of course unless there’s a cogent reason.”
Yahaya insisted on respecting the prior agreement. “We took over two hours before our lead counsel came. It’s a promise he made, and he should keep it. It will not be right to change the agreement now,” he said.
Justice Anineh ruled that while adjournments aren’t automatic, the court could allow one in the interest of justice. “I have considered the application for adjournment. It is correct that adjournment can only be granted at the discretion of the court. However, in the interest of justice, I believe the matter should be adjourned till tomorrow, November 13, 2025 for cross-examination and continuation of trial,” she said.
