The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed further proceedings in the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to November 12.
The case involves a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Bello and two other state officials.During Thursday’s session, EFCC called its sixth witness, a compliance officer with Polaris Bank, who provided evidence on the Kogi State Government House Account.
The witness explained that as of November 2021, the account had a total credit of N450 million, with deposits coming from various sources and withdrawals generally made in multiples of N10 million.
The witness also confirmed several large transactions and payments into related accounts over the years.Bello’s legal team challenged the introduction of certain documents by the prosecution, arguing they did not meet legal standards for admissibility.
The court, however, allowed the documents, including a 218-page statement of account from Alusha Services, to be admitted as evidence.
The trial examines allegations that Bello and his co-defendants misappropriated state funds totaling about N110 billion, including the purchase of multiple properties in Abuja, overseas investments, and transfers to foreign accounts.
The accused are also facing charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, had been remanded in Kuje Prison in December 2024 but was later granted bail of N500 million with three sureties.
The court will resume cross-examination of the sixth witness when the case continues in November.