The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud continued on Wednesday before Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
It was reported 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 the defense attorney’s cross-examination, J.B. The witness, Daudu (SAN), attested that he provided Exhibits 32, 33(1–11), and 34 and testified in response to a subpoena.
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.
Pinheiro brought up a procedural problem, claiming that the defense had neglected to provide receipts proving payment for the CTCs, even though the prosecution did not contest the documents’ admissibility.
Additionally, he insisted that the witness’s testimony had been consistent.
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;
On June 6, 2022, Yagba East Local Government gave ₦12,228,400.10 for the purchase of medical supplies.
He added that entries in Exhibit 33(11) reflected normal banking transactions.
The witness added that although the Fazab Oil account opening package was not immediately available, it could be obtained if necessary.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter till Thursday, February 5, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of PW7.
