The ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at the Federal High Court in Abuja has taken a new turn as a prosecution witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that no banking regulations were breached in transactions involving the Kogi State Government.
The witness, Mrs. Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), made the statement under cross-examination. She explained that the transactions under investigation followed due process and that her bank operated within approved financial guidelines. Mrs. Abimbola, who has worked with UBA for 19 years, clarified that she was not the relationship manager of the Kogi Government House account but confirmed that the account’s activities were in full compliance with banking standards.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the witness told the court that several withdrawals of ₦10 million each were made between July 31 and August 6, 2019, by one Abdulsalam Hudu, an authorized signatory. She said these transactions did not exceed regulatory limits and were processed based on correct account mandates. She also explained that banks are not required to question cash withdrawals once the customer’s mandate is verified, unlike electronic transfers that require additional documentation.
During further proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) presented another subpoenaed witness, Jesutoni Akoni, a compliance officer with Ecobank. However, the defense challenged the admissibility of a 13-page document tendered by the prosecution, prompting the court to strike out a cover letter addressed to another judge. Justice Anenih later adjourned the case to October 9, 2025, for the continuation of hearing.
The EFCC vs Yahaya Bello case continues to draw national attention, as Nigerians await the court’s decision on the money laundering allegations against the former governor.
