₦1.425bn used for forex transactions, witness tells court in Yahaya Bello’s trial
A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that ₦1.425 billion was used for foreign exchange transactions between December 15, 2021, and February 21, 2022.
The witness, a Bureau de Change operator, Jamilu Abdullahi, testified as Prosecution Witness 19 (PW19) before Justice Maryanne Anineh on Thursday. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, he said the foreign currencies purchased with the funds were delivered to Abba Adaudu.
While examining transaction records admitted as exhibits, Abdullahi identified several cash lodgments and transfers into accounts associated with him and his company, Kunfayakun Global Limited. He maintained that the funds were provided by Adaudu for forex transactions and were not gifts.
The witness confirmed cash lodgments of ₦10 million each through the Lokoja branch, alongside other transfers, but denied personally making some deposits recorded in his name. He said he had never visited the branch and explained that the names used in transaction narrations depended on Adaudu’s instructions.
Abdullahi also identified transfers of ₦100 million and ₦400 million through Keyless Nature Limited, as well as transfers totalling ₦600 million from Ejadams Essence Limited on February 18, 2022, and another ₦325 million on February 21, 2022. He attributed the transactions to Adaudu and said the funds were used for foreign exchange purchases.
The witness further told the court that accounts associated with Forza Oil, Alyeshua and Whales Oil and Gas were used to pay school fees at the American International School, Abuja, for children whose payment details were supplied by Adaudu. He identified Fatima Bello, Zahra Bello and Na’ima Bello as names associated with the transactions and said he forwarded payment receipts to Adaudu.
During cross-examination by counsel to the first and second defendants, Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, the witness said he had no direct dealings with any of the defendants. He could not recall the total amount he handed to Adaudu because of the numerous transactions but maintained that he had evidence of the payments.
Justice Anineh adjourned the case until October 27 and November 24, 2026, for continuation of the trial. Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.
