The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud continued on Wednesday before Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
Truthng reports that Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.
Proceedings were presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, with the cross-examination of the seventh prosecution witness.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court that the matter was slated for the cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7), adding that three witnesses were available.
PW7, Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, mounted the witness box and affirmed that he remained under oath.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), the witness confirmed that he testified pursuant to a subpoena and tendered Exhibits 32, 33(1–11), and 34.
He further told the court that he had earlier testified before another Federal High Court in respect of the same documents but could not recall the specific defendants involved or whether he testified as PW2.
The defence subsequently sought to tender Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents from the other court.
While the prosecution did not object to the admissibility of the documents, Pinheiro raised a procedural issue, arguing that the defence failed to produce receipts showing payment for the CTCs.
He also maintained that the witness had been consistent in his testimony.
Justice Nwite upheld the objection, ruling that the documents could only be admitted upon the presentation of receipts evidencing payment.
The defence informed the court that efforts were ongoing to retrieve the receipts.
Further cross-examination focused on transactions involving Keyless Nature Limited, Fazab Oil, and Abba Adaudu.
The witness confirmed a counter cheque payment at Access Bank’s Otukpo Branch and transfers of ₦200,000 and ₦8 million in favour of Abba Adaudu.
On local government inflows, PW7 testified that the following payments were made for specific purposes:
₦7,500,144.61 from Okehi Local Government for the supply of medical items;
₦10,863,247.50 from Omala Local Government on June 3, 2022, for the supply of sporting materials;
₦12,228,400.10 from Yagba East Local Government on June 6, 2022, for the procurement of medical consumables.
He added that entries in Exhibit 33(11) reflected normal banking transactions.
The witness also stated that the account opening package for Fazab Oil was not immediately available but could be retrieved if required.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter till Thursday, February 5, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of PW7.
