The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, resumed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, with fresh exchanges during the cross-examination of the seventh prosecution witness.
Bello is standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion.
At the resumed proceedings, prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the court that the case was scheduled for the cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Seven, noting that three prosecution witnesses were available.
The witness, Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, confirmed he was testifying under subpoena and remained under oath. He identified and confirmed documents earlier tendered as Exhibits 32, 33(1–11) and 34.
Egoro also told the court that he had previously testified before another Federal High Court in connection with the same exhibits, although he could not recall the specific defendants involved.
During proceedings, defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, attempted to tender Certified True Copies of documents from the earlier court. While the prosecution raised no objection to the documents themselves, Pinheiro argued that the defence failed to present receipts showing payment for the CTCs.
Justice Nwite agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the documents could only be admitted upon the presentation of the required receipts. The defence subsequently informed the court that efforts were being made to retrieve them.
Further cross-examination focused on bank transactions linked to Keyless Nature Limited, Fazab Oil and Abba Adaudu. The witness confirmed counter cheque payments and transfers, including ₦200,000 and ₦8 million, in favour of Adaudu.
On local government inflows, Egoro testified that funds paid into accounts were tied to specific transactions, including medical supplies and sporting materials from Okehi, Omala and Yagba East local governments.
He added that the transactions reflected normal banking operations, noting that the account opening documents for Fazab Oil could be retrieved if required.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to Thursday, February 5, 2026, for the continuation of PW7’s cross-examination.
