How N3bn Kogi LG funds were moved through private accounts – Witness

Shocking details emerged before the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on how funds belonging to several Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State were allegedly funnelled into private accounts and laundered in a scheme involving top political associates and family members of former and current Governors of Kogi State.

Testifying before Obiora Egwuatu (Justice) on Tuesday, Remigius Egu, the sixth prosecution witness, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank, gave a detailed account of how funds from various Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State were allegedly diverted into private accounts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ali Bello, Yakubu Isiaka Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyada Sadat on 18-count charges bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of public funds.

According to a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Spokesman, Ali Bello, the first defendant, is a nephew to Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State and currently serves as Chief of Staff to the incumbent Governor, Usman Ododo.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, Egu identified documents marked as “Exhibits E and E1” as originating from Zenith Bank.

He confirmed that the documents, including a letter dated March 16, 2022, addressed to the EFCC Zonal Commander, related to an account held by the second defendant, Yakubu Adabenege, and contained transaction records from the bank.

Egu told the court that on October 4, 2023, several large inflows of money were traced from Kogi State LGAs to an account operated by Korforte Concept Limited.

“Prior to the inflows, the account had a balance of just N7,370. On the same day the funds landed, a transaction of N110 million was made from the account to Abba Adaudu, one of the defendants”, he said.

He listed the Local Governments from which the funds originated, naming Ogori Magongo, Ibeji, Adavi, Kogi, Kabba/Bunu, Ajaokuta, Okene, Yagba West, and Ofu LGAs, each contributing substantial sums running into millions of naira.

The witness further revealed that similar transactions had occurred as far back as October 5, 2018.

“On that date, funds were paid into the same account from Igalamela/Odolu, Olamaboro, Dekina, Ibaji, Omala, and Lokoja LGAs.

“That same day, a sum of N21.9 million was transferred from the account to an individual identified as Musa Omuya. The pattern continued with additional inflows recorded on October 8, 2018, from Ijumu and Bassa LGAs. By October 10, 2018, the account had processed further transfers, including N10 million to Musa Omuya and separate amounts of N5.1 million and N5 million to Adaudu”, he explained.

Also testifying earlier in the trial was the fifth prosecution witness, Oyinkosola Akerele Shukurat, Managing Director of Forza Oil and Gas Limited.

She disclosed that her company, which also engages in foreign exchange transactions, received payment from one Abdul Bashir for the purchase of U.S. dollars.

“The dollars purchased were transferred to four beneficiaries, including three members of the Bello family—Fatima, Na’ima, and Zara Bello—purportedly for the payment of school fees at the American International School (AIS)”, she added.

Shukurat confirmed that the total dollar amount disbursed was $139,000.

She said one payment of $49,600 included $44,700 sent to AIS on behalf of Fatima Bello. Another $44,700 payment was later made, also for Fatima, while a third transaction of $44,700 was for Na’ima Bello.

“These payments were traced through Pages 14, 15, and 23 of the “Exhibit D” document series”, EFCC said.

According to the Commission, she was cross-examined by defence counsels A.M. Aliyu, SAN, and Nureini Jimoh, SAN, as the court sought to establish further clarity on the transactions and their purpose.

Egwuatu (Justice) subsequently adjourned the trial to May 5, 19, 20, and 21, 2025, for continuation.