By Okun Reporter News Desk
A compliance officer with Access Bank, Olomotane Egoro, on Tuesday told the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja how a total of ₦117 million was moved from the accounts of 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State, including Yagba East, Yagba West, and Ijumu, on May 6, 2022.
Egoro, appearing as the seventh prosecution witness (PW7) in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, explained to Justice Emeka Nwite that the funds originated from multiple LG accounts—Yagba East, Omala, Yagba West, Idah, Okene, Ijumu, Olamaboro, Ofu, Okehi, Ogonimangogo, Igalamela-Odolu, Ibaji, and Dekina.
According to his testimony,
“On May 6, 2022, a total of ₦117 million was moved from the 13 local government accounts, and out of this amount, ₦115 million was withdrawn by cheque by one Yakubu Adadenega Siaka.”
The disclosure came as part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s ongoing prosecution of Yahaya Bello, who faces allegations of diverting and misappropriating ₦80.2 billion in Kogi State funds during his tenure as governor.
Several other witnesses, including bank officials from Zenith Bank, Ecobank, and Keystone Bank, also testified under subpoena. They presented documents and confirmed transactions involving millions of naira linked to various Kogi State accounts.
During cross-examination, defence counsel J.B. Daudu (SAN) maintained that there was no direct evidence tying the withdrawals to Bello personally.
The case was adjourned for continuation of hearing.
Source: Nigerian Tribune | Edited for Okun Reporter
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