On March 7, 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite presided over the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The court heard further testimony from prosecution witness Nicholas Ojehomon, who serves as an internal auditor at the American International School Abuja (AISA).
During his testimony, Ojehomon revealed that all payments made for school fees at AISA, including those from various international firms, were directly for the benefit of Bello’s children.
Under the guidance of prosecution lawyer Kemi Pinheiro, Ojehomon provided an extensive account of multiple transactions, confirming that payments had been made specifically for Zara Omoneke Bello, Fatima Bello, Na’ima Ohunene Bello, and Farid Bello through different companies.
Ojehomon was directed to exhibit 13p1 during the proceedings, which he identified as a bank teller emailed to AISA from Ali Bello.
When asked to clarify who sent the payment, he stated, “It was sent in by Forza Oil and Gas, and the recipient is AISA.” Furthermore, he verified that this specific payment amounted to $49,600, which was identified as being for Zara Omoneke Bello.
As the testimony continued, Ojehomon disclosed additional payments linked to the Bello children, detailing a series of transactions:
- Exhibit 13p2: A payment of $44,700 from Forza Oil and Gas for Fatima Bello.
- Exhibit 13p3: Another payment of $49,600 from Forza Oil and Gas for Zara Bello.
- Exhibit 13p4: $44,700 from Forza Oil and Gas for Fatima Bello Oziohu.
- Exhibit 13p5: $11,000 from Whales Oil and Gas for Farid Oricha.
- Exhibit 13p6: $78,160 from Alyeshua Provision Services for Fatima Ohizio Bello.
- Exhibit 13p7: $42,170 from Alyeshua Provision Services for Na’ima Ohunene Bello.
- Exhibit 13p8: $44,700 from Forza Oil and Gas for Na’ima Ohunene Bello.
- Exhibit 13p9: $75,000 from Unnaki General Trading Limited for Na’ima.
- Exhibit 13p10: $75,000 from Unnaki General Trading Limited listed under “Farid Edu Support.”
- Exhibit 13p11: $75,000 from Unnaki General Trading plc for Fatima listed as “Invoice Reference: Fatima Edu Support.”
- Exhibit 13p12: $75,000 from Unnaki General Trading Limited for Zara, marked as “Invoice Reference: Zara Edu Support.”
- Exhibit 13p13: A $100,000 transfer from Ugandan national Manzi Issa.
- Exhibit 13p14: A $90,000 transfer from Dada Grant Merchant Limited, also from Uganda.
The prosecution also introduced exhibit 14p15-63, which included several receipts issued by AISA. Ojehomon confirmed that all these receipts were issued in the names of Yahaya Bello’s four children. Specifically, he identified them as Bello Nana, Fatima Zara Bello, Farid Bello, and Na’ima Bello. When asked about the parental details listed in AISA’s records, he confirmed, “From the record of AISA, the parent of the names mentioned is Yahaya Bello.”
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The prosecution further asked Ojehomon to affirm that none of the receipts from exhibits 13p16-53 were issued in favor of any of the companies involved, such as Forza Oil and Gas or Dada Grant Merchant Limited. He confirmed that none of these receipts benefited any of the mentioned entities.
During cross-examination, the defense lawyer J.B. Daudu sought to present certified copies of receipts and related documents from a separate case involving Ali Bello and the American International School. However, Pinheiro objected, stating, “This is a criminal trial, and the prosecution is still leading its case.” He referenced the Evidence Act, which stated that evidence can only be introduced during cross-examination if it contradicts the witness’s current testimony.
Daudu argued that the documents were relevant and should be considered, pointing out that they were public documents acknowledged by the prosecution.
After hearing both sides, Justice Emeka Nwite decided that he would rule on the admissibility of these documents during the next hearing. The trial was adjourned until May 8 and 9, 2025, for further proceedings.
