Yahaya Bello’s money laundry’s case,On Thursday, September 26, 2024, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator testified before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in a case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello. The operator detailed how he facilitated a transaction involving $300,000. He recounted how, despite it being a weekend, he was called by Abba Daudu, who introduced him to a business associate holding the cash. The operator noted that he secured the money in his office and later processed the payment. This transaction became a focal point in the ongoing trial centered on financial mismanagement during Bello’s administration.
The operator stated, “Upon their arrival, two individuals entered my office while the third stayed in the car. One of them handed me a black leather bag containing $300,000. I couldn’t verify the amount due to a power outage, so I locked the money in a safe.” According to the witness, the funds were later transferred in four installments of $75,000 each. The payments were confirmed by Abba Daudu, the alleged business partner of Yahaya Bello.
Former Governor, Yahaya Bello Linked to Payments for Daughters’ School Fees
The court heard how Yahaya Bello used his resources to cover school fees for his daughters in U.S. dollars. Payments were reportedly made through different channels, including personal funds and companies associated with Yahaya Bello. Specifically, Ali Bello, the former governor’s nephew and current Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, is facing legal charges for his alleged involvement in the laundering of over N3 billion.
The witness confirmed making school fee payments for one of Yahaya Bello’s daughters, Naima Ohunene Bello. He testified that the transaction amounted to $300,000, paid through Abba Daudu’s instructions. The school fees were paid via four separate receipts of $75,000 each, highlighting the systematic financial dealings within Bello’s inner circle.
Ali Bello and Associates Face EFCC Charges
Ali Bello, a key figure in the current administration of Governor Usman Ododo, is among those facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC has filed 18 charges related to money laundering, misappropriation of funds, and corrupt practices against Ali Bello and others, including Abba Daudu, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat. The cumulative sum under scrutiny exceeds N3 billion.
Prosecutors are delving into a web of suspicious transactions that allegedly involved funneling state funds into private accounts and offshore ventures. The involvement of family members, including Ali Bello, has added complexity to the case, with the EFCC focusing on unraveling how these funds were diverted and their intended purposes.
Additional Payments for Yahaya Bello’s Daughters Unveiled
During the hearing, more evidence of financial payments on behalf of Yahaya Bello’s daughters emerged. The witness testified about a payment made through a company named Aleshua Solutions Services, amounting to $42,170, for Naima Ohunene Bello’s school fees. These details were confirmed with specific dates and amounts provided as part of the legal proceedings.
Another payment of $78,160 was made for Yahaya Bello’s daughter, Fatima Oziohu Bello, again through Aleshua Solutions Services. The operator provided receipts and documentation supporting these transactions, emphasizing that they were carried out under instructions from Abba Daudu.
Exhibits Provide Key Evidence in Money Laundering Case
As part of the prosecution’s case, several exhibits were submitted to the court, detailing the financial transactions in question. Pages 50, 52, and 53 of Exhibit D particularly focused on the payments of $75,000 each for Naima Ohunene Bello’s school fees. These documents were confirmed by the witness, who corroborated the amounts and the process through which the funds were transferred.
Exhibit D also highlighted other significant transactions, including $78,160 paid for Fatima Bello, further tightening the case against Yahaya Bello and his associates. The financial trail, as presented in court, paints a picture of coordinated efforts to launder state funds for personal use, especially for covering overseas educational expenses.
EFCC’s Focus on Yahaya Bello’s Financial Network
The EFCC continues to build its case against Yahaya Bello and his family, focusing on unraveling the intricate financial dealings during his tenure as Kogi State governor. With testimonies and documents surfacing, the prosecution aims to link the former governor and his network to the illicit movement of state resources, largely masked as legitimate expenses such as school fees.
The trial has garnered significant public attention, with many anticipating further revelations. The legal battle promises to shed light on the broader issue of corruption in Nigeria’s political system, as the EFCC intensifies its efforts to bring those involved to justice.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
