By Okafor Joseph Afam
September 27, 2024

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is embroiled in a fresh scandal involving over N3 billion in alleged money laundering and misappropriation. The scandal centers on the payment of his daughter’s school fees, reportedly facilitated through questionable financial transactions.

On Thursday, Jamilu Abdullahi, an Abuja-based Bureau de Change operator, testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Abdullahi recounted how Bello regularly paid his daughter’s school fees in U.S. dollars using Abdullahi’s currency exchange company.

According to Abdullahi, one such transaction involved $300,000, brought to him by Abba Daudu, Bello’s nephew and co-defendant in the case. Abdullahi revealed that Daudu delivered the money in cash at his office for the purpose of paying the school fees.

“Abba Daudu called me to say they had a transaction,” Abdullahi testified. “I drove to the office, and upon their arrival, three individuals were present. Two of them walked into my office while one stayed behind with the driver. One of them, a friend of Abba Daudu, carried a black leather bag with $300,000.”

Abdullahi further explained that due to a power outage, he initially locked the cash in his office safe. He later confirmed the amount with Daudu and issued four receipts totaling the $300,000, which Daudu verified.

Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, has denied any wrongdoing, including the misuse of public funds to cover his children’s education. However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly uncovered a series of suspicious transactions involving Bello, his family, and close associates.

The ongoing trial, which also includes Ali Bello, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat, is focused on 18 charges of money laundering and misappropriation involving over N3 billion.

Key Players in the Scandal:

• Yahaya Bello: Former governor of Kogi State, accused of misappropriating state funds.
• Abba Daudu: Bello’s nephew and co-defendant, implicated in handling illicit financial transactions.
• Jamilu Abdullahi: Bureau de Change operator, who testified to receiving large sums of cash for payments.
• Ali Bello: Another nephew of the former governor, currently on trial alongside Daudu, Adabenege, and Sadat.

Charges:

• 18 counts of money laundering and misappropriation involving over N3 billion.

The case remains ongoing as the EFCC continues to gather evidence against the accused.