A witness has testified about how former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, consistently paid his three daughters’ school fees in dollars.
The witness, Jamilu Abdullahi who is an operator of a Bureau de Change (BDC), in a Federal High Court in Abuja that the payments were made him and his companies.
Abdullahi is the third prosecution witness in the trial of Ali Bello—Yahaya Bello’s nephew—alongside Abba Daudu, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat.
Recall that the defendants face 18 charges of money laundering and misappropriation amounting to over N3 billion.
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According to a statement released on Thursday by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdullahi recounted an incident where Daudu, the second defendant, delivered $300,000 in cash for the payment of Bello’s daughters’ school fees.
The statement quoted Abdullahi: “Abba Daudu contacted me about a transaction, despite it being the weekend. I drove to the office and waited for their arrival. Three individuals arrived; one remained in the car with the driver, while two others, including a friend of Abba Daudu carrying a black leather bag containing $300,000, came to my office.
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“Upon entering, the friend greeted me, and Abba Daudu introduced him as his business partner. He placed $300,000 in cash on my desk. I intended to count the money before they left, but a power outage prevented me. I informed them that I needed to confirm the amount, so I secured the money in my office safe, and they departed.
“Abba Daudu’s friend mentioned that once I confirmed the sum, I would receive further payment details. He also noted that the $300,000 would incur service charges, which I should calculate and inform Abba Daudu.”
Abdullahi continued, “After completing the transfer, I sent four receipts, each for $75,000, to Abba Daudu, who confirmed the successful payment.”
When questioned by the prosecution counsel about transactions on Exhibit D, Pages 50, 52, and 53, Abdullahi confirmed, “Yes, I am aware of the $75,000 transactions paid to the school four times, totalling $300,000, as forwarded by Abba Daudu. These payments were for one of Yahaya Bello’s daughters.”
Abdullahi also recalled another payment made by Aleshua Solutions Services, a company that paid $42,170 for Naima Ohunene Bello on January 24, 2022.
On Page One of Exhibit D, he identified a transaction of $44,675 for Naima Bello. “I have seen the receipt. Forty-four thousand, seven hundred dollars ($44,700) was paid to the school, but due to internal bank charges, $25 was deducted, leaving a total of $44,675,” Abdullahi stated.
The court was informed that the beneficiary school was the American International School.
