Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has found himself at the center of a money laundering and misappropriation scandal involving over N3 billion.
Jamilu Abdullahi, an Abuja-based Bureau de Change operator, on Thursday, testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja, revealing how Bello repeatedly paid his daughters’ school fees in dollars through Abdullahi’s companies.
According to Abdullahi, Abba Daudu, Bello’s nephew and co-defendant, brought $300,000 in cash to his office on one occasion for the payment of school fees of the former Governo daughter.
Abdullahi recounted the incident, saying, “Abba Daudu called me to say that they have a transaction… I drove down to the office and waited for them to come. Upon their arrival, three of them came. One of them stayed in the car with the driver, two of them walked to my office, and a friend of Abba Daudu was holding a black leather bag containing $300,000.”
Abdullahi further testified that he locked the dollars in his office safe due to a power outage and later confirmed the sum with Daudu. He also revealed that he forwarded four receipts, totaling $300,000, to Daudu, who confirmed the payment was successful.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, has denied allegations of misusing public funds, including paying his children’s school fees from the state’s account. However, the EFCC’s investigation has reportedly uncovered a complex web of financial transactions involving Bello, his family members, and associates.
The trial of Ali Bello, Abba Daudu, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat continues, with 18 charges of money laundering and misappropriation hanging over them.
Key Players in the Scandal:
– Yahaya Bello: Former governor of Kogi State, accused of misusing public funds
– Abba Daudu: Bello’s nephew and co-defendant, allegedly involved in financial transactions
– Jamilu Abdullahi: Bureau de Change operator, testified against Bello and co-defendants
– Ali Bello: Bello’s nephew, standing trial alongside Daudu, Adabenege, and Sadat
Charge:
– 18 counts of money laundering and misappropriation Involving over N3 billion
