JUSTICE Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to March 7 for trial continuation.
During today’s hearing, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) called a subpoenaed witness, Williams Abimbola, a Compliance Officer at United Bank for Africa Plc.
Abimbola confirmed that the bank had received a further subpoena, which the court admitted as ‘Exhibit 7’.
The prosecution stated that the subpoena requested the statement of account of one Maselina Njoku from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Abimbola confirmed the bank’s compliance with the request and the issuance of a certificate of compliance.
She further testified that there were 10 withdrawals of ₦10 million each made in favor of Abdulsalam Hudu on December 12, 2018, through cheques presented at the counter.
During cross-examination, the witness confirmed that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in the opening or management of the Kogi Government House bank account. She also clarified that she was not the account officer for the account, which is domiciled in Lokoja, Kogi State, rather than her Abuja office.
Defense Counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) questioned Abimbola on her role as a compliance officer, which she affirmed was to protect the bank’s integrity against legal, reputational, and financial risks. He further asked her to identify the three signatories on the account, which she did.
Regarding former Permanent Secretary Yakubu Ismail, she noted, “We only have his picture on this form.”
Daudu then asked, “Do the account opening documents or the statement of account from E1 to E72 contain the name ‘Yahaya Bello’?” The witness responded, “No.”
The defense counsel also referred to another set of documents (Exhibit 2P1-3P62), again asking if Bello’s name appeared. The witness confirmed it did not.
After the defense concluded cross-examination, the EFCC counsel sought to re-examine the witness. Despite objections from the defense, the judge allowed it.
Pinheiro asked if Abimbola recognized the signature on the document, to which she responded that she had signed on behalf of Edward Bananga. The defense objected, arguing that she initially denied the signature but later admitted to it.
“My Lord, the witness first disowned the signature, but under re-examination, the prosecution led her to admit it. I have the right to challenge this and prove her claim is false,” Daudu stated.
He then asked the witness to read the document aloud. She read, “I, Edward Bananga, hereby certify and confirm that…”
Daudu interjected, “I put it to you that you are not Edward Bananga.”
The witness replied, “I am not Edward Bananga, my Lord.”
The prosecution also presented another witness, Nicholas Ohehomon from the American International School, who provided evidence including school statements of account, admission letters, and payment receipts for the defendant’s children.
The court admitted Exhibit 12P, a contractual agreement for post-paid school fees.
Additionally, the EFCC submitted a letter sent to the school registrar, marked as Exhibit 18, along with an account provided for a refund.
The court adjourned the case to March 7 at 10 a.m. for further proceedings.
