The Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, over alleged money laundering involving about ₦80.2 billion to January 29, 2026. The new dates fixed for continuation of trial also include January 30, February 4, and February 5, 2026. The adjournment came after Tuesday’s proceedings, which were stalled by objections from the defence team regarding discrepancies in key bank documents presented by the prosecution.
At the resumed hearing, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called its seventh witness, Mr. Olomotame Egoro, a compliance officer from Access Bank Plc, who identified several financial documents related to the Kogi State Government House Administration account. The documents, marked as Exhibits 33 (1-11) and 34, reportedly contained records of multiple high-value transactions made between December 2018 and August 2021, including cash withdrawals and fund transfers allegedly linked to officials under Bello’s administration.
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During cross-examination, Egoro disclosed that several suspicious withdrawals were carried out from the government’s accounts in tranches of ₦10 million, with one notable series of thirty withdrawals totaling ₦300 million made on August 1, 2019. He further testified that between May 6 and 9, 2022, about ₦117 million was transferred from 11 local government councils’ statutory and VAT accounts into that of Faza Business Enterprise, which was previously dormant. The witness said the funds were swiftly withdrawn, leaving a balance of just ₦1.4 million in the account.
However, the defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abdullahi Yahaya, objected to the admissibility of the tendered documents, arguing that the certificate of identification attached to them was not signed by the same officer presenting them in court. According to Yahaya, the certificate was issued by one Faruk Idiaro, whereas the witness on the stand was Olomotame Egoro. This raised doubts about the authenticity and admissibility of the evidence. The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, countered that the objection was merely technical, emphasizing that the documents themselves were certified and authentic records from Access Bank.
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Justice Emeka Nwite, after listening to both sides, ruled that the objection raised substantial legal issues requiring more time for review before proceeding with further examination of the witness. Consequently, he adjourned the matter to January 29 and 30, as well as February 4 and 5, 2026, to allow both parties to reconcile the discrepancies and prepare adequately for the next stage of the trial. The judge also directed the EFCC to ensure that all documentary evidence is properly certified to avoid further delays when the hearing resumes.
The case, which has drawn nationwide attention, revolves around allegations that Yahaya Bello, during his tenure as governor of Kogi State, conspired with others to divert billions of naira belonging to the state. The EFCC’s 19-count charge accuses Bello of laundering funds through multiple channels, including state accounts, private firms, and proxies. He has consistently denied all charges, insisting that the case is politically motivated and designed to tarnish his reputation after leaving office.
Observers note that the latest adjournment could further prolong what is already one of the most closely watched anti-corruption cases involving a former Nigerian governor. Public interest remains high due to the enormous sum involved, ₦80.2 billion and the alleged use of local government funds. Many civil society groups have urged the judiciary to ensure transparency and speed in handling the matter to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
Legal analysts believe the adjournment gives both the prosecution and defence ample opportunity to strengthen their arguments ahead of the new trial dates. While the EFCC is expected to call more witnesses to trace the movement of funds and establish a clearer money trail, the defence is likely to intensify efforts to discredit the admissibility and reliability of the documents presented in court. The proceedings in early 2026 are expected to determine the direction and pace of the trial going forward.
Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from January 2016 to January 2024, was first arraigned in April 2024 on allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds. Since then, the case has witnessed several adjournments, including legal battles over jurisdiction and service of court summons. The EFCC maintains that its evidence trail remains intact and that justice will ultimately prevail.
As the court prepares to reconvene in January 2026, Nigerians and international observers alike will be watching closely to see how the high-profile trial unfolds. The outcome of the case could set a major precedent for anti-corruption prosecution in Nigeria and shape public discourse on accountability among political officeholders in the years to come.
