A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Abimbola Williams, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in the account opening documents for the Kogi Government House bank account with the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Williams, a Compliance Officer at UBA, also testified that Bello’s name was absent from all withdrawal transactions made from account number 1003889575, which was managed by UBA for the Kogi Government House Administration during his tenure.
The banker, subpoenaed by the court, tendered the account opening documents and statements related to the Government House Administration under Bello’s governorship. According to the prosecution, the subpoena requested the production of the statement of account for one Maselina Njoku from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the witness read out a series of withdrawals made via cheques for Government House operations. She identified Abdulsalami Hudu as the person responsible for withdrawing funds on behalf of the Government House.
Bello’s Name Absent from Transactions
Under cross-examination by Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, Williams admitted that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in any of the transactions linked to the account. She also confirmed that she was not the account officer for the Kogi Government House account, which is domiciled in Lokoja, Kogi State, while she works in Area 3, Abuja.
The witness specifically confirmed 10 withdrawals of ₦10 million each, made on December 12, 2018, by Abdulsalami Hudu using cheques presented over the counter.
When asked by the defense counsel whether her role as a compliance officer involved protecting the bank’s integrity from legal, reputational, and financial risks, she responded, “Yes.”
Further pressed on whether Yahaya Bello’s name appeared anywhere in the account opening documents or statement of account (Exhibits E1 to E72), she confirmed:
“No, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature.”
Daudu also asked her to verify Exhibit 2P1-3P62 for any mention of Bello’s name. She responded, “My Lord, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature in the exhibits.”
EFCC’s Attempt at Re-examination
Following cross-examination, the EFCC counsel sought to re-examine the witness. Although Daudu, SAN, objected, the judge permitted it after a brief argument.
During re-examination, Pinheiro, SAN, asked if the witness recognized a particular signature on a document. She initially denied knowledge of the signature but later stated that she signed on behalf of Edward Bananga.
The defense objected and sought to challenge her admission.
“My Lord, the witness initially disowned the signature, but under re-examination, the prosecution led her to admit it. Therefore, I have the right to challenge that admission and prove that her claim regarding the signature is incorrect,” Daudu argued.
When asked to read from the document, the witness stated, “I, Edward Bananga, hereby certify and confirm that…”
The defense counsel then put it to her: “I put it to you that you are not Edward Bananga.”
She replied, “I am not Edward Bananga, My Lord.”
Second Witness from American International School
The prosecution also presented another witness, Nicholas Ohehomon from the American International School (AIS), Abuja.
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He tendered exhibits, including the school’s statement of account, admission letters of Bello’s children, and payment receipts. Exhibit 12P, a contractual agreement for post-paid school fees, was also submitted.
Additionally, the EFCC presented a letter sent to AIS, Abuja, through the Registrar, marked Exhibit 18, along with an account designated for a refund.
The court adjourned the case until March 7 for the continuation of the trial.
