Court Blow to Yahaya Bello: BDC Operator Details $300k Cash-to-School-Fees Trail

​ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a legal challenge by the defense team of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, clearing the way for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present further evidence in the ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial.

​During the resumed hearing on Friday, April 24, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that an objection raised by lead defense counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, was “speculative and misconceived.” The defense had sought to block the prosecution from using a prior statement by its twelfth witness (PW12), Jamilu Abdullahi, to refresh his memory, arguing it was an attempt to contradict their own witness. However, Justice Nwite held that Section 239 of the Evidence Act was applicable, allowing the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, to proceed.

​Revelations on Cash and School Fees

​Following the ruling, Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, provided detailed testimony regarding high-volume foreign exchange transactions allegedly linked to Bello’s associate, Abba Adaudu.

​The witness described a sophisticated network used to convert naira to dollars and facilitate offshore payments. He recalled delivering cash in US dollars to a police officer identified as “Ali” at Fraser Suites in Abuja on Adaudu’s instructions.

​“Whenever [Adaudu] was not available, he usually sent people to pick up his dollars,” Abdullahi testified.

​The BDC operator also shed light on the payment of school fees for the former governor’s children, Zahra and Fatima Bello. He revealed that Adaudu had provided $300,000 in cash for these transfers. Abdullahi explained that when his firm lacked sufficient dollar liquidity, he collaborated with other entities, including Alyeshua Services, Forza Oil and Gas, and Whales Oil and Gas Limited, to complete the transactions.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Defense Challenges Source of Funds

​Under cross-examination, Abdullahi clarified that while he facilitated the school fee payments, the $300,000 provided by Adaudu was cash and did not originate from the specific corporate accounts previously highlighted by the prosecution.

​The witness also confirmed he had given similar testimony in a related case involving Ali Bello and others before Justice Obiora Egwuatu. Documents relating to these transactions were admitted as evidence (Exhibit 47) without objection from the defense.

​Yahaya Bello faces a 19-count charge involving the alleged diversion of ₦80,246,470,088.88 from the Kogi State treasury. The former governor has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

​Justice Nwite has adjourned the trial to May 6 and 7, 2026, for the continuation of cross-examination and further testimony.