On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Jamilu Abdullahi, an Abuja-based Bureau de Change (BDC) operator and third prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Ali Bello, gave an intricate account of large-scale financial transactions allegedly involving the Kogi State government under the administration of former governor, Yahaya Bello.
Abdullahi’s testimony came before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, where he outlined the flow of millions in both naira and dollars through his personal and business accounts.
The trial focuses on Ali Bello, Yahaya Bello’s nephew, and current Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. Bello, along with three others—Abba Daudu, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat—is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 18-count charge of money laundering and misappropriation of over N3 billion. The charges stem from allegations of extensive fraud, financial misconduct, and misuse of public funds during Yahaya Bello’s tenure as governor.
Testimony Highlights Dollar Payments for Governor’s Daughters
During his testimony, Abdullahi revealed how he was involved in numerous transactions, primarily in U.S. dollars, which were allegedly made on behalf of Yahaya Bello. He disclosed that the former governor had repeatedly used his services to pay the school fees of his daughters in foreign schools. One such transaction involved $300,000 in cash, which was handed to Abdullahi by Daudu, the second defendant in the case. According to Abdullahi, Daudu brought the money in a black leather bag for the purpose of paying school fees for one of Yahaya Bello’s daughters, Naima Ohunene Bello.
“Abba Daudu called me to say they had a transaction, though it was on the weekend,” Abdullahi testified. “I drove to my office and waited for them. When they arrived, one of Daudu’s friends handed me $300,000 in cash, which I locked in my office safe. I later transferred the money in four installments of $75,000 each as instructed.”
The Bureau de Change operator further identified other large payments made for the education of Bello’s children. On January 24, 2022, a company named Aleshua Solutions Services paid $42,170 for Naima Bello’s tuition, while another transaction of $78,135 was made for Fatima Oziohu Bello. Abdullahi also pointed out additional payments, including $44,675 made to the American International School (AIS) for Naima Bello, with smaller deductions being attributed to bank charges.
Massive Inflows of Naira and Transactions Through BDC Accounts.
Beyond the foreign currency transactions, Abdullahi’s testimony delved into the massive inflows of naira into his business accounts from companies allegedly linked to the defendants. The witness recounted receiving millions from Daudu’s company, Keyless Nature Limited, and from other entities connected to the Kogi State government. Between December 2021 and March 2022, his accounts saw repeated large deposits totaling over N1 billion.
Abdullahi listed the following key transactions:
December 2021: N100 million on December 15, followed by another N400 million on December 17, and additional payments of N100 million, N35 million, and N40 million within days.
February 2022: N90 million from Keyless Nature Limited.
March 2022: N84 million on March 2, and N122 million on March 10, followed by another N60 million on March 21.
Multiple Deposits: Millions more were deposited throughout late 2021, including N220 million on December 1 and N140 million on December 22, 2021, among others.
The sheer scale and frequency of these transactions raised significant suspicion of money laundering and financial misappropriation. Abdullahi confirmed that the funds flowed consistently, with figures ranging from tens of millions to over N400 million at a time.
Defense Seeks Adjournment for Review of Evidence
During the proceedings, A.M. Aliyu, the defense counsel for Ali Bello, requested an adjournment, citing the complexity and volume of the evidence presented by the prosecution. He stated that the defense team needed additional time to study the extensive financial documents and figures laid out in the case, some of which spanned hundreds of pages.
The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), objected to the adjournment, arguing that the witness had been on the stand since February 2023, and that the cross-examination should proceed without further delay. However, the court granted the adjournment, setting new trial dates for October 25, November 5, and November 6, 2024.
Case Background: Allegations of Corruption in Kogi State
The ongoing trial is one of the highest-profile cases currently being handled by the EFCC, and it centers around allegations that the defendants, led by Ali Bello, embezzled funds during Yahaya Bello’s governorship of Kogi State. The EFCC has alleged that the funds were funneled through a network of companies and individuals, including Bureau de Change operators, to conceal the source and destination of the money.
Yahaya Bello, who served two terms as governor from 2016 to 2023, has been linked to several controversial financial dealings during his tenure, though he has not been personally charged in this case. His nephew, Ali Bello, is alleged to have been the principal actor in managing and dispersing the funds in question.
As the trial progresses, more revelations are expected to emerge, shedding light on the complex web of financial transactions that allegedly saw billions of naira diverted from public accounts for personal gain. The prosecution is aiming to establish a clear link between the defendants and the alleged financial crimes, using witnesses like Abdullahi to testify about the scale of the operations.
What Lies Ahead
With the next court sessions scheduled for October and November 2024, the trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendants is expected to draw further attention as more witnesses are called and evidence is examined. The case represents a significant moment in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, and its outcome could have major political and legal ramifications, particularly for the former governor’s administration.
For now, the court remains focused on determining the validity of the EFCC’s charges, while the defense prepares to challenge the extensive evidence laid before it. All eyes will be on Justice Egwuatu’s court as the trial continues in the coming months.
