EFCC Witnesses Admit Massive Withdrawals but Clear Yahaya Bello of Benefiting

Three prosecution witnesses presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have confirmed before the court that although substantial cash withdrawals were made from accounts operated by the Kogi State Government House Administration, a former governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, was not listed as a beneficiary of any of the transactions.

The witnesses, who are senior officials from three different commercial banks, gave their testimonies on Thursday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. They appeared in the ongoing trial involving Yahaya Bello and two other defendants, who are being prosecuted by the EFCC over allegations of financial misconduct.

The witnesses include Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a representative of Zenith Bank; Mohammed Hassan, from Keystone Bank; and Gabriel Oche, an official of First City Monument Bank (FCMB). Each witness presented official banking records and documents from their respective institutions, outlining transaction activities linked to Kogi State Government House Administration accounts.

According to the documents admitted as exhibits, the accounts recorded multiple withdrawals over a period of time. However, upon detailed examination of the account opening packages and transaction statements, the witnesses consistently stated that the name of Yahaya Bello did not appear in any part of the documents.

They further clarified that Bello was neither a signatory to the accounts nor named as a recipient of the funds withdrawn. This position was maintained during cross-examination by defence counsel.

While being questioned by Joseph Daudu, SAN, counsel to the former governor, Mshelia Arhyel Bata of Zenith Bank confirmed that he personally reviewed the transaction records and could not identify Bello as a beneficiary. He also explained that the documents did not indicate the specific purpose for which the funds were withdrawn, although he noted that the withdrawal pattern appeared uniform.

Bata additionally identified the authorized signatories to the accounts as Chris Enefola, a former Permanent Secretary; Onekutu Daniel, who served as Chief Accountant; and Abdulsalami Hudu, an Accountant with the state government.

Another witness, Mohammed Hassan of Keystone Bank, testified regarding transactions involving the Dantata and Sawoe accounts. He explained that his role was limited to marketing duties and that he was neither the designated account officer nor the relationship manager for the accounts in question. As a result, he stated that he lacked operational knowledge of how the accounts were managed beyond what was contained in the submitted documents.

Similarly, Gabriel Oche of FCMB told the court that payments were made to the American International School, Abuja, through an account held by Kunfayakun Global Limited. However, he emphasized that he had no personal or professional interaction with any of the account signatories. Based on the records provided by his bank, he confirmed that neither Yahaya Bello nor the other defendants appeared in the transaction details.

During the court session, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, represented the EFCC, while Joseph Daudu, SAN, appeared for Yahaya Bello. Umar Shuaib Oricha also appeared for one of the defendants, and Z. E. Abbass represented Abdulsalami Hudu.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case, scheduling the next hearing for January 16.