Kogi Governor's Nephew Under Fire as Court Admits Evidence in N10 Billion Money Laundering Case

In a major development in the ongoing N10 billion money laundering case against Ali Bello, nephew of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and two others, a prosecution witness from UBA bank presented incriminating evidence today. Bananda Edward, a Compliance Officer, unveiled bank statements detailing large sums of money allegedly transferred suspiciously from Kogi government accounts.

The document detailed cash withdrawals of N20 million on December 23, 2022, in tranches of N10 million each from the Kogi State Government account, favoring Kudu Abdulsalam. Further transactions included cheque withdrawals of N10 million each in four different locations on December 28, 2022, in favor of Alhassan Onakaji.

The pattern continued into the new year, with the account receiving an inflow of N100 million on January 3, 2023, followed by multiple withdrawals of N10 million each on January 4th. Notably, there were further cheque withdrawals of N10 million each in favor of Abdulsalam Kudu on several occasions.

The financial activity continued with inflows of N100 million each on January 11th and 24th, along with additional inflows of N24,928,195.26 and N50 million on February 22nd. On February 6th, significant inflows totaling N29,800,000, N16,740,000, N35,440,000, N22,700,000, and N151,135,000 were also recorded.

Furthermore, the UBA statement revealed numerous cash transfers on February 6th, 2023, totaling N500,000 each to several individuals, including Hussein Yusuf, Salaudin Abdulrazak, Sule Ojo, Shuab Abdulrasheed, Abubakar Magaji, and Abdulkareem Abdulraman. Additionally, Chrisenbirth Investment Ltd received N1.3 million, and Peter Oha received two N1 million transfers.

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These transactions, presented by the prosecution witness and admitted as evidence by Justice Omotosho, raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the financial activity within the Kogi government accounts. The ongoing legal proceedings aim to determine whether these transactions constitute misappropriation and money laundering as alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The trial has been adjourned until February 5th and 6th for further hearings, and all eyes remain on the court as this complex case unfolds. The implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, as it sheds light on potential mismanagement of public funds within the Kogi State government.

By Bliss Anthony