Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that his client is facing a political trial rather than a money laundering charge.
Daudu made the remarks during the cross-examination of Olomotane Egoro, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) seventh witness, who is a compliance officer at Access Bank Plc.
Egoro, subpoenaed to testify in the alleged money laundering case against Bello, admitted in court that the former governor never served as a local government chairman in Kogi State. He also confirmed that Bello’s name does not appear in the financial documents (Exhibit 33) detailing transactions under investigation, either as a sender or recipient.
The witness further stated that the entries from the 21 local government areas into the accounts of Keyless Nature Limited were consistent with normal banking transactions. When asked if he knew the purpose of the payments, Egoro responded that he did not.
On other payments, including those to Fayzade Business Enterprise, the witness said transactions from Okene, Okehi, Omala, and Yagba LGAs were meant for education materials, medical items, sporting equipment, and other essential supplies.
Daudu emphasized that Bello did not hold any local government position and asserted that the trial was politically motivated. Responding to EFCC lawyer Kemi Pinheiro, who suggested that money laundering payments can be disguised, Daudu said, “Very soon, we will know that this is not a money laundering trial but a political trial.”
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the proceedings until February 5 for the continuation of Egoro’s cross-examination.
