Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello's trial resumed on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Emeka Nwite. The court dismissed an objection raised by Bello's defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, who had argued that the prosecution was contradicting its own witness. Justice Nwite ruled the objection "speculative and misconceived," affirming that Section 239 of the Evidence Act applied and allowing the prosecution to continue. Bello faces a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.
Lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the defence's motion, stating the witness in question had been "very unequivocal and unambiguous." Following the ruling, the prosecution called its twelfth witness, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator. Abdullahi testified about foreign exchange transactions carried out at the instruction of Abba Adaudu, whom he identified as the main contact. He stated that he once delivered dollars to a police officer named Ali, a MOPOL, at Fraser Suites based on Adaudu's directive. When Adaudu was unavailable, others came to collect the funds on his behalf, according to Abdullahi.
The witness detailed transactions linked to school fees payments for Zahra and Fatima Bello. He said Adaudu and an associate brought $300,000 in cash on a Saturday and instructed him to transfer the funds. Abdullahi clarified that the money did not come from previously mentioned accounts and was instead handed over physically. He also explained that when he lacked sufficient dollar inflow, he coordinated with other Bureau de Change operators through companies like Alyeshua Services, Forza Oil and Gas, and Whales Oil and Gas Limited. These firms executed transfers based on agreed rates. Abdullahi confirmed he made a statement to the EFCC on May 10, 2022, which he described as his only statement in the matter. He acknowledged he facilitated the transactions but did not personally carry out all the transfers.
The trial continues with further examination of witnesses.
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