EFCC/Bello: No Regulation Breached In Bank Transactions With Yahaya Bello-Led Kogi Govt — EFCC Witness Confesses
The third prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Williams Abimbola, has confirmed during cross-examination that no regulation was breached in the transactions allowed by her bank, with the Kogi State Government, led by former governor Yahaya Bello.
Williams Abimbola, a seasoned compliance officer at United Bank for Africa (UBA) with 19 years of experience, served as the third witness for the EFCC. During intense cross-examination, she firmly stated that no banking rules were violated in the handling of funds linked to the Yahaya Bello-led Kogi State Government account.
Abimbola, who previously provided testimony at the same court on March 6, 2025, clarified that while she operates from UBA’s Area 3 branch in Abuja, the Kogi Government House account is primarily managed in Lokoja. She emphasized that she is neither the account nor relationship manager but confirmed that every transaction reviewed aligned with established guidelines.
Pressed by defense counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, on her role in safeguarding the bank’s reputation and avoiding legal or financial risks, Abimbola affirmed her responsibilities. She detailed several 2019 transactions, including multiple ₦10 million cash withdrawals by Abdulsalam Hudu between July 31 and August 6, as well as transfers in smaller tranches by Bello Abdullateef on July 5. Notably, she stressed that no single withdrawal exceeded ₦10 million, and banks routinely inquire about purposes for transfers but not for cash withdrawals, as they are not auditors of clients’ internal affairs.
Abimbola also referenced a May 27, 2019, bank statement showing a ₦100 million credit—split into two ₦50 million portions—earmarked for the “governor’s security fund.” She listed long-standing authorized signatories for the account, dating back to 2004, including figures like Christopher Enefola (Permanent Secretary), Onekutu Daniel (Chief Accountant), and Hudu Abdulsalami (Accountant). A 2008 letter further corroborated signatories such as Elder P. S. Ocheni and Abbas Ibrahim Abubakar.
The witness distanced herself from the defendants, stating she had never met Bello or co-defendant Umar Oricha, nor had any direct dealings with them. She underscored that account holders can withdraw funds freely provided the mandate is valid and cashier duties—receiving and disbursing cash—are properly executed.
The defense, led by Daudu, SAN, sought to address a pending jurisdiction challenge to avoid further witness testimonies, but prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, countered that it was premature, proposing deferral to November 12, 2025.
The session also introduced the EFCC’s fourth witness, Ecobank compliance officer Jesutoni Akoni, who presented a 13-page document. However, objections from A. M. Aliyu (counsel for the second defendant) arose over its admissibility under the Evidence Act, leading to the withdrawal of a misaddressed cover letter. Akoni conceded under questioning that Abdulsalam Hudu was not a signatory and that he was unfamiliar with the account’s authorized personnel.
Presiding Justice Anenih adjourned proceedings to October 9, 2025, for the trial’s continuation, keeping the spotlight on these high-profile allegations.