The ongoing trial of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello took a dramatic turn on Thursday as a prosecution witness linked multiple high-value cash deposits and dollar conversions to one of his alleged associates in a case involving over ₦80 billion in alleged money laundering.
The case, being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. Bello is facing charges bordering on alleged money laundering totaling ₦80,246,470,088.88.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 12 (PW12), Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, told the court that he handled several transactions involving large cash deposits which were later converted into United States dollars and handed over to a key associate identified as Abba Adaudu.
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro, Abdullahi confirmed that multiple deposits were made into the account of E-Traders International Limited on different dates. He specifically referenced transactions recorded on March 10 and 11, 2022, while clarifying discrepancies in the names listed as depositors.
“My lord, the names indicated in the records were used merely as narration. I was not the one who made the cash deposits at the Lokoja branch,” the witness stated.
He further identified Adaudu as the individual responsible for deposits made on October 8 and 11, 2021, emphasizing that all his dealings were directly with him.
“Abba Adaudu, my lord. In all these transactions, I dealt with Abba Adaudu,” Abdullahi testified.
According to the witness, his role involved converting naira deposits into U.S. dollars upon agreement of exchange rates, after which the funds were physically handed over to Adaudu. He disclosed that such handovers typically took place either at his office or at Adaudu’s office located in Area 8, Abuja.
In another instance, Abdullahi told the court that his company, Kunfayakun Global Limited, received ₦100 million and ₦400 million on December 15 and 17, 2021, respectively, from Keyless Nature Limited—an entity he claimed belonged to Adaudu. These funds, he said, were also converted into dollars and delivered accordingly.
The witness added that on February 18, 2022, he received ₦600 million in six separate tranches into the account of Ejadams Essence Limited for dollar purchases. He further confirmed receiving ₦325 million via RTGS on February 21, 2022, for the same purpose.
However, proceedings were briefly disrupted when defence counsel J. B. Daudu raised an objection, arguing that the prosecution appeared to be contradicting its own witness without formally declaring him hostile.
“If the witness wants to contradict himself, he should be declared a hostile witness,” Daudu submitted.
In response, Pinheiro maintained that the witness had been consistent, noting that minor variations in recollection were expected given the time span of the events under review.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to April 24, 2026, for a ruling on the objection and continuation of the trial.
The case continues to draw significant public attention as it highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle high-level financial crimes and ensure accountability among public officials.
