The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, continued on Thursday before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with a prosecution witness linking multiple cash deposits to dollar conversions allegedly handled for a key associate.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello over an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, told the court that large cash deposits were made on different dates into the account of E-Traders International Limited by one Abba Adaudu.
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, the witness confirmed that the deposits extended beyond previously identified dates, referencing transaction records tendered as exhibits.
Abdullahi explained discrepancies in deposit records bearing variations of his name, stating that while such names appeared as narration on the documents, he was not responsible for making the deposits at the Lokoja branch.
He identified Adaudu as the individual who made several of the deposits, including transactions dated October 8 and 11, 2021, adding that all dealings were conducted directly with him.
According to the witness, the funds were subsequently converted into United States dollars and handed over to Adaudu.
“I converted them into US dollars and handed them over to Abba Adaudu,” he told the court.
Further evidence showed that Abdullahi received ₦100 million and ₦400 million on December 15 and 17, 2021, respectively, through his company, Kunfayakun Global Limited, from Keyless Nature Limited, which he said belonged to Adaudu. He stated that the funds were used to purchase dollars at agreed rates before being delivered to the associate.
He also testified to receiving ₦600 million in six tranches on February 18, 2022, into the account of Ejadams Essence Limited, as well as an additional ₦325 million on February 21, 2022, via RTGS, all allegedly for dollar purchases.
Abdullahi told the court that the converted funds were typically handed over either at his office or at Adaudu’s office in Area 8, Abuja.
Proceedings were briefly stalled following an objection by defence counsel, J. B. Daudu, who argued that the prosecution was attempting to contradict the witness without declaring him hostile.
In response, Pinheiro maintained that the witness remained consistent, noting that any perceived inconsistencies were due to the passage of time and the volume of transactions involved.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until April 24, 2026, for ruling on the objection and continuation of trial.
