Key Witness in EFCC N10 Billion Laundering Case Reveals Suspicious Money Transfers As Trial Intensifies

EFCC N10 Billion Laundering Case: OGM News– The N10 billion money laundering case, a key prosecution witness, Bananda Edward, a Compliance Officer with United Bank of Africa (UBA), took the stand on Thursday before Justice James Omotsho at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The trial involves Ali Bello, the nephew of Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, along with two others. The defendants face 10-count charges related to misappropriation and money laundering, as brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Edward detailed suspicious transactions involving substantial funds that were allegedly transferred in tranches from the accounts of the Kogi state government and the state’s government House Administration account. Notably, a statement of account presented in court revealed cash withdrawals amounting to N20 million on December 23, 2022, withdrawn in tranches of N10 million each from the Kogi State Government account. This revelation sets the stage for a thorough examination of financial transactions that may be critical in establishing the prosecution’s case.

EFCC N10 Billion Laundering Case: Legal Tussle Over Admissibility of Evidence

The courtroom witnessed a legal showdown as the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, sought to admit the statement of accounts as evidence. However, defense counsels A.M Alilu and Nureini Jimoh opposed the move, citing non-compliance with the Evidence Act. They argued that the documents did not meet the standards set by Bank Book 258 of the Evidence Act and Sections 89(h) and 91(e) of the same Act.

Oyedepo, in response, urged the court to disregard the defense’s objections, emphasizing the authenticity and relevance of the presented documents. He asserted that the documents complied with Section 90, sub-section 1, Paragraph (e) of the Evidence Act 2011. Oyedepo emphasized the importance of the documents in establishing a link to the case, asserting that the witness had confirmed their authenticity through the certificate of authentication. The legal tussle raises anticipation about the court’s decision on the admissibility of crucial evidence in the unfolding trial.

Justice Omotosho Admits Key Documents as Evidence in Money Laundering Trial

In a significant development in the ongoing N10 billion money laundering case, Justice Omotosho ruled in favor of the prosecution, admitting crucial documents as evidence. The witness meticulously examined Exhibit E, shedding light on transactions from December 28, 2022. Notably, there were cheque withdrawals of N10 million each in four instances favoring Alhassan Onakaji. The financial trail continued with a substantial inflow of N100 million on January 3, 2023, followed by multiple N10 million withdrawals on January 4, 2023, in favor of Abdulsalam Kudu.

On January 11, 2023, another N100 million flowed into the account, and on January 24, 2023, yet another N100 million transaction occurred. The intricate financial web expanded into February 2023, with various inflows ranging from N24,928,195.26 to N151,135,000. Cash transfers on February 6, 2023, added another layer, including N500,000 to Hussein Yusuf and N1,300,000 to Chrisenbirth Investment Ltd. Justice Omotosho, after carefully considering the witness’s submissions, adjourned the proceedings until February 5 and 6 for further hearings.

EFCC N10 Billion Laundering Case Update: Ali, Bello, & Co-Defendants Face Intense Scrutiny

As the trial of Ali, Yahaya Bello, and two others unfolds, they find themselves entangled in a complex legal battle. The charges in the EFCC N10 Billion Laundering Case, which include misappropriation and money laundering, were brought against them on December 15, 2022. The recent court session revealed intricate details of financial transactions, with substantial sums flowing in and out of the accused parties’ accounts.

With the witness’s testimony and the admitted evidence, the prosecution paints a compelling picture of the alleged money laundering activities. The adjournment of the trial until February 5 and 6 signals the anticipation of more revelations. As the legal proceedings continue, the defendants face mounting pressure in this high-stakes case, with potential far-reaching consequences.