RismadarVoice Reporters, April 23, 2026
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, continued on Thursday, April 23, 2026, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with a prosecution witness narrating how large cash deposits were allegedly converted into United States dollars and handed over to a key associate.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello on allegations of money laundering involving ₦80,246,470,088.88.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, told the court that several cash deposits were made on different dates into the account of E-Traders International Limited by one Abba Adaudu.
Under examination by prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the witness confirmed multiple transactions spanning different dates, including March 10 and 11, 2022, while clarifying variations in the names used in deposit narrations.
He explained that although different versions of his name appeared in transaction records, he was not personally responsible for the physical deposits made at the Lokoja branch.
The witness identified Abba Adaudu as the individual who consistently handled the transactions, noting that cash was delivered to him and later converted into dollars.
“I converted them into US dollars and handed them over to Abba Adaudu,” he told the court.
Abdullahi further testified that ₦100 million and ₦400 million were received on December 15 and 17, 2021, respectively, through Kunfayakun Global Limited, a company he said was linked to Adaudu. He added that the funds were converted into dollars and handed over as agreed.
He also disclosed additional transactions, including ₦600 million received in February 2022 in multiple tranches, as well as ₦325 million received via RTGS, all allegedly for dollar purchases.
According to him, the physical exchange of dollars often took place either at his office or at Adaudu’s office in Area 8, Abuja.
Proceedings were briefly interrupted following an objection by defence counsel, J. B. Daudu, SAN, who argued that the prosecution was improperly attempting to contradict the witness without first declaring him hostile.
In response, prosecuting counsel Pinheiro, SAN, maintained that the witness had remained consistent in his testimony, stressing that his account reflected events that occurred several years earlier.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to April 24, 2026, for ruling on the objection and continuation of the trial.
