A witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Abimbola Williams, testified before a Federal High Court in Abuja, stating that the name of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was not listed in any account opening documents for the Government House bank account with the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Williams, a Compliance Officer with UBA, further confirmed that Bello’s name did not appear in any of the transactions or withdrawals made from account number 1003889575, which was managed by the bank for the Kogi State Government House administration during his tenure.
The banker, subpoenaed by the court, tendered documents related to the account as part of the EFCC’s case against Bello on money laundering charges. The subpoena specifically requested records related to transactions involving one Maselina Njoku between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the witness provided account statements detailing various transactions during Bello’s tenure.
She identified a series of withdrawals via cheques for Government House operations, naming Abdulsalami Hudu as the official responsible for handling the funds.
Under cross-examination by Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), the UBA officer admitted that the former governor’s name did not appear in any of the account’s transactions. She also acknowledged that she was not the account officer assigned to the Government House account, which is domiciled in Lokoja, not in her Area 3, Abuja branch.
She confirmed ten withdrawals of ₦10 million each on December 12, 2018, all made through cheques and presented over the counter.
Daudu (SAN) asked her whether her role as a compliance officer involved protecting the bank from legal penalties and reputational damage, to which she responded affirmatively. He further questioned whether Yahaya Bello’s name appeared anywhere in the account opening documents or statements, and the witness replied, “No, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature.”
During re-examination, Pinheiro (SAN) asked the witness about a signature on the documents. She initially denied recognizing it but later stated she had signed on behalf of Edward Bananga. This led to another objection from the defense, with Daudu (SAN) insisting on further cross-examination.
Reading from the document, the witness stated, “I, Edward Bananga, hereby certify and confirm that…”
Daudu (SAN) then put it to her: “You are not Edward Bananga.”
She admitted, “I am not Edward Bananga, my Lord.”
The prosecution also presented another witness, Nicholas Ohehomon from the American International School, Abuja (AIS). The exhibits tendered included:
School account statements, Admission letters of Bello’s children and
Payment receipts
A letter from the EFCC to AIS requesting a refund, marked Exhibit 18, was also submitted.
The court adjourned the case until March 7 for the continuation of the trial.
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