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On Thursday, May 8, Yahaya Bello, who previously served as the governor of Kogi State, found himself at the center of an unexpected turn of events during his hearing at the FCT High Court in Abuja regarding charges brought by the EFCC.
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As stated by Nicholas Ohehomon, who served as both an auditor for the American International School and was called as a witness by the EFCC, he testified in court regarding Bello’s purported prepayment of expenses related to children’s schooling.
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In 2024, Ola Olukoyede, who serves as the EFCC chairman, alleged that the previous governor had withdrawn $720,000 from the Kogi state account for an initial payment.
FCT, Abuja –
The situation involving ex-Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the EFCC became dramatically different on Thursday, May 8, as the proceedings began at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Nicholas Ohehomon, who testified as a prosecutor’s witness and audited the American International School, informed the court that the Kogi state government had not transferred funds to the institution for covering Yahaya Bello’s offspring’s tuition expenses.
What accusations does the EFCC have against Yahaya Bello?
Remember that the ex-governor is dealing with a 19-count indictment involving charges of money laundering totaling approximately N80 billion.
Ohehomon gave testimony in court regarding the payment of school fees for ex-Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s offspring. As an internal auditor, Ohehomon stated that the tuition costs were prepaid up to their graduation and mentioned that the educational institution subsequently reimbursed the funds into an account specified by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the course of cross-examination, Ohehomon stated that the bank records for the American school did not indicate any direct payments originating from either the Kogi State government, any local councils within Kogi, or Yahaya Bello personally. He verified that funds were indeed deposited by other parents covering tuition costs, with these contributors’ identities clearly documented in the financial statements.
Bello’s attorney challenges EFCC’s testimony
Joseph Daudu, the defense attorney, queried Ohehomon regarding the bank statement that had been labeled as “exhibit 16.” The witness confirmed that this document included the names of the individuals who sent money into the account.
The court hearing also saw the trial judge, Emeka Nwite, reject the EFCC’s request to stop Bello from tendering a previous court document in his ongoing trial.
Previously, Daudu had sought intervention from the FCT High Court in the legal dispute involving Ali Bello, who is the former governor’s nephew, and the Incorporated Trustees of American International School.
In his argument, the document is more important in the ongoing trial, even though it was a judgment of another court.
The EFCC attorney dismissed Yahaya Bello’s petition.
Nevertheless, Kemi Pinhero from the EFCC prosecution team opposed the admission of the document. She argued that the prosecution’s case was still ongoing.
Remember that in April 2024, Chairman Ola Olukoyede of the EFCC brought up the claim that the ex-governor had taken $720,000 out of the Kogi state fund for an early payment toward their kids’ tuition.
Yahaya Bello honours EFCC’s invitation
News Globe.ng
earlier reported that Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi state, has finally honoured the EFCC invitation for questioning.
Bello’s media office announced the development on Wednesday, September 18, adding that the former governor honoured the EFCC out of his respect for the rule of law.
The former Kogi State governor was under investigation for a 19-count accusation of money laundering, totaling approximately ₦80 billion.