By The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, continued today at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama. Justice Maryanne Anineh is overseeing the case as the EFCC presented more bank records as evidence.
Bello faces 16 charges alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. They are accused of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N10.4 billion.
A Zenith Bank officer explained key transactions, including a N10 million deposit by Abdulsalami Hudu and a payment of N2.45 million to Halims Hotels and Tours in Lokoja. He said he could not confirm why the money was spent.
Defence lawyers questioned the officer about 2016 transactions, including a N74 million deposit from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service. Large withdrawals were described as special security votes. The officer confirmed all withdrawals were by cheque and signed by authorised officials but could not say what the money was used for.
Keystone Bank records showed 2021 transfers of N100 million from individuals including Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak. The bank official said he was in court only because of a subpoena and did not personally know the account holders.
FCMB documents revealed transfers from Kunfayakun Global Limited to schools and companies from 2018 to 2024. Sterling Bank records showed hundreds of millions of naira paid by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service for contractors and state programs between 2019 and 2020.
The defence objected to some evidence but reserved reasons for later. The court adjourned to tomorrow, January 16, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
The case shows EFCC’s focus on investigating alleged financial misconduct by Kogi State officials and tracking complex transactions involving public funds.
