Emmanuel Ochayi
In the ongoing trial of Ali Bello, nephew of Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and two others for a N10 billion money laundering case, a key prosecution witness, Bananda Edward, a Compliance Officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified on Thursday.
Edward disclosed to Justice James Omotsho of the Federal High Court Abuja that funds were transferred in tranches from the accounts of Kogi State government, as well as the state’s government House Administration account, in what he deemed suspicious transactions.
Edward, led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, presented a statement of account from UBA detailing transactions in the state government and government house administration accounts.
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Notably, the witness highlighted cash withdrawals of N20 million on December 23, 2022, withdrawn in tranches of N10 million each from the Kogi State Government account in favor of Kudu Abdulsalam.
The defense, represented by A.M Alilu and Nureini Jimoh, opposed the admission of these transactions as evidence, citing non-compliance with the Evidence Act.
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Oyedepo argued the documents’ authenticity and relevance, prompting Justice Omotsho to rule in favor of the prosecution, admitting the documents as evidence.
Edward further examined transactions involving withdrawals and inflows on various dates in December 2022 and January 2023.
The court adjourned the matter till February 5 and 6 for the continuation of the hearing.
Ali Bello, Yahaya Bello, and two others face charges related to misappropriation and money laundering, having been arraigned on December 15, 2022, in the N10 billion case.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
