The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has announced plans to call 28 more witnesses in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this on Thursday during a session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Bello is facing a 19-count charge related to money laundering and alleged misappropriation of state funds.
Lead EFCC prosecutor, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court that 10 of the upcoming witnesses will be subpoenaed and are expected to present documentary evidence during their testimonies.
One of the focal points in the case involves payments allegedly made to the American International School, Abuja, purportedly to cover future tuition for four of Bello’s children.
The EFCC alleges that the payments, including one meant for an unborn child, were made using public funds channeled through proxies.
However, under cross-examination by Bello’s lawyer, Prof. J. B. Daudu (SAN), the third prosecution witness, Mr. Nicholas Ojehomon—an internal auditor at the school—admitted that no funds were directly traced from the Kogi State government treasury into the school’s accounts.
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He also confirmed that the former governor’s name did not appear on any transaction records related to the payments.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the proceedings until Friday, allowing the defence team additional time to continue its cross-examination.
The EFCC maintains that its case remains strong and that forthcoming witnesses will shed more light on the alleged financial misconduct during Bello’s tenure.
Crediblenewsng.com
