Witness Says Kogi Fund Withdrawals Followed Banking Rules In Yahaya Bello Trial

The trial of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello took a new turn as a prosecution witness told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the state government’s fund withdrawals did not violate any banking regulations.

The witness, Msheila Arhyle Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, made the statement while testifying before Justice Emeka Nwite. Bata, who appeared as the fourth prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, confirmed under cross-examination that Bello’s name did not appear as a beneficiary in any of the accounts presented to the court.

During questioning by Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Bata acknowledged that some transactions carried out by state officials were in line with Central Bank of Nigeria limits. He also admitted that he was unaware of any law restricting how the Kogi State Government spends its allocation. The witness noted that beyond the listed beneficiaries such as hotels, he could not determine the purpose of the payments.

The EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opted not to re-examine the witness after the session, and the court discharged him. Bata had earlier confirmed that Bello was neither a signatory to nor a recipient from any of the accounts under scrutiny.

Another prosecution witness, Jesutoni Akoni from Ecobank, also testified that none of the deposits listed in a company’s account statement—ranging from N3 million to N20 million—had any link to Yahaya Bello. He added that the bank documents did not reveal the actual sources of the funds.

Further witnesses from Keystone Bank and Access Bank presented additional financial documents following subpoenas issued by the court. However, Bello’s defence objected to some attachments, arguing that they were not requested.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to November 11, 2025, for continuation of trial.