Jamilu Abdullahi, an Abuja-based Bureau de Change operator, has testified in the trial of Ali Bello, disclosing how $300,000 was delivered in cash for the payment of school fees for the daughters of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
Abdullahi, the third prosecution witness, detailed his involvement in various financial transactions involving the Kogi State government under Bello’s administration, testifying before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involves allegations of money laundering and misappropriation totaling over ₦3 billion against Ali Bello, who is the current Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, alongside three other defendants.
Abdullahi recounted how on one occasion, Abba Daudu, one of the defendants, brought the $300,000 in cash to his office for the payment of Yahaya Bello’s daughters’ school fees. The payments were confirmed through multiple transactions, with the funds being transferred to the American International School for Yahaya Bello’s daughters, Naima and Fatima Bello.
The witness further outlined significant transfers from Daudu’s company, Keyless Nature Limited, into his own Kunfayakun company’s account, detailing large sums received in December 2021 and February 2022.
The defense sought an adjournment to review the extensive details presented, while the prosecution objected, noting the witness had been in the dock since February.
Justice Egwuatu adjourned the trial to continue on October 25, 2024, with further sessions set for November 5 and 6, 2024.
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