₦80.2B Scam: Court Dismisses CTCs Lacking Receipts In Yahaya Bello Case

The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud resumed on Wednesday at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Bello is facing a 19-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), relating to money laundering totaling ₦80,246,470,088.88.

Justice Emeka Nwite presided over the proceedings, which focused on the cross-examination of the seventh prosecution witness.

At the hearing, prosecution counsel, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court that three witnesses were available and that cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7) would continue. PW7, Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, took the stand and confirmed that he was testifying under oath.

During cross-examination by defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), Egoro confirmed that he was testifying in response to a subpoena and tendered Exhibits 32, 33(1–11), and 34. He also stated that he had previously testified on the same documents in another Federal High Court but could not recall the defendants involved or whether he had appeared as PW2.

The defence then sought to admit Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the documents from the other court. While the prosecution did not object to the documents’ admissibility, Pinheiro raised a procedural concern, noting that receipts proving payment for the CTCs were not presented. He added that the witness’s testimony remained consistent.

Justice Nwite upheld the objection, ruling that the documents could only be admitted if receipts confirming payment were provided. The defence said efforts were ongoing to obtain the receipts.

Further cross-examination focused on transactions involving Keyless Nature Limited, Fazab Oil, and Abba Adaudu. PW7 confirmed a counter cheque payment at Access Bank’s Otukpo Branch, as well as transfers of ₦200,000 and ₦8 million to Abba Adaudu.

Regarding local government funds, PW7 testified that the following payments were made for specific purposes:

• ₦7,500,144.61 from Okehi Local Government for medical supplies;

• ₦10,863,247.50 from Omala Local Government on June 3, 2022, for sporting materials;

• ₦12,228,400.10 from Yagba East Local Government on June 6, 2022, for medical consumables.

He added that entries in Exhibit 33(11) reflected standard banking transactions. The witness also noted that the account opening package for Fazab Oil was not immediately available but could be retrieved if needed.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Thursday, February 5, 2026, for the continuation of PW7’s cross-examination.