The third prosecution witness, Abimbola Williams, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, how large sums of money were allegedly diverted from the Kogi State Government account through multiple cash withdrawals.
Williams, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified before Justice Maryanne Anineh in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who is facing a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of ₦110.4 billion. Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Williams recounted a series of large withdrawals made between December 2018 and August 2019. According to her, “On 12 December 2018, there were 10 cheque withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Gudu, each for ₦10 million, amounting to ₦100 million.” She went on to detail several other similar transactions, noting that between July 31 and August 6, 2019, there were 64 transactions of ₦10 million each, totalling ₦640 million.
The withdrawals, she said, were documented in a 251-page bank statement from UBA.
The fourth prosecution witness, Jesutomi Akonni, a compliance officer with Ecobank, also testified, presenting account records of one Moses Wanzo. She stated that on February 22, 2016, a cash deposit of ₦15 million was made by Abdulwahab Sabo, while subsequent deposits of ₦20 million and ₦19 million were made in March 2016 by Shehu Bello.
Counsel to the first defendant, J.B. Dauda, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution intends to call 16 witnesses and drew attention to a pending motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, filed on September 26, 2025. He urged the court to address the issue before further proceedings.
Responding, Pinheiro described the motion as a delay tactic, arguing that the case had been ongoing for a year and that the defence was attempting to stall progress.
Justice Anineh adjourned the matter to Thursday, October 9, 2025, for continuation of trial.
