In a dramatic courtroom twist, the corruption trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello took an unexpected turn as the prosecution’s own witnesses conceded they found no evidence linking him to allegedly suspicious withdrawals.
Testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), three bank officials detailed significant cash movements from Kogi State Government House accounts. However, under cross-examination, they unanimously stated that Bello’s name was absent from all transaction records.
Mshelia Arhyel Bata of Zenith Bank confirmed he could not identify Bello as a beneficiary or signatory on the statements he provided. He listed other officials as the authorized account signatories.
Mohammed Hassan of Keystone Bank, speaking on related accounts, admitted he had no direct operational knowledge of them. Similarly, Gabriel Oche of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) acknowledged payments to a school via a third-party company account but clarified he had no relationship with the signatories and found no transaction involving Bello or his co-defendants.
Presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih, the hearing saw appearances from senior advocates Kemi Pinheiro for the EFCC and Joseph Daudu for Yahaya Bello. The case has been adjourned to January 16 for continuation.