An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that no funds were transferred from the Kogi State Government or any of its local councils to the American International School, Abuja (AISA) in connection with the alleged money laundering case involving former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello.
During cross-examination on Thursday, May 8, the EFCC’s third prosecution witness, Nicholas Ojehomon—an internal auditor at AISA—confirmed that neither the state government nor any local government in Kogi made payments to the school. He also admitted that the name “Yahaya Bello” did not appear in the payment records.
This revelation came as part of an ongoing trial where Bello is accused of laundering ₦80 billion. The defendant’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, argued that there was no evidence linking public funds to the school fee payments. The EFCC, however, claims otherwise.
Read Also: Akpabio Asks Court to Order Natasha Akpoti to Delete Satirical Apology Post
Yahaya Bello money laundering case has been in court for months, drawing national attention. The EFCC’s latest witness testimony could influence public perception and legal arguments.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who is handling the case, also ruled on a major legal point by admitting a prior court judgment (Exhibit 19) as evidence. The ruling countered an earlier EFCC objection that claimed such documents couldn’t be introduced while the prosecution’s case was still ongoing.
The admitted judgment had previously held that AISA was not ordered to refund the money to the EFCC, and that it had a valid contract with the Bello family for future school fee payments. It also stated that AISA cannot return any money without a court order and that there was no proof that the funds in question were proceeds of crime.
Under further questioning, the EFCC witness read aloud from the judgment and confirmed that there was no directive for the school to refund any money, nor any finding that the funds were illicit.
This testimony aligns with the defense’s position that the Yahaya Bello money laundering case lacks concrete financial evidence tying state resources to private school fee payments.
The court adjourned the matter to Friday, May 9, 2025, for the continuation of trial proceedings.
