A banker from Zenith Bank Plc, Femi Remigus, delivered shocking testimony in court on Tuesday.
He gave evidence against Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, in a case involving alleged money laundering of N3 billion.
Remigus works as a compliance officer. He appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja as the sixth witness for the prosecution. The trial is being led by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
In court, Remigus explained how large sums of money were moved into an account belonging to Komfort Koncept, a company under investigation. These deposits came from several local government areas in Kogi State during 2018.
He detailed specific transfers made on October 4 of that year. The account, which had only N7,275 before the transfers, received millions. Ibaji LGA deposited N18.6 million, Adavi LGA sent N20.8 million, and Kogi LGA added N17.5 million. Kabba LGA transferred N18.4 million, while Ankpa LGA sent N17 million. More came from Yagba West and Ofu LGAs.
Shortly after those deposits, N105 million was moved out of the account. It was sent to Abba Daudu and other individuals now facing charges.
This case involves several people. Ali Bello, who is also the nephew of former Governor Yahaya Bello, stands accused along with Abba Daudu, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bello (who is currently at large). They face 18 counts related to money laundering and misuse of public funds. All have pleaded not guilty.
Earlier in the trial, the EFCC presented important documents. These included bank statements and account details linked to the suspects. Although the defense, led by Nureni Jimoh, SAN, opposed the documents’ admission, they agreed to formally argue their case later. The judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, accepted the documents for now and said their value will be reviewed at judgment.
The trial will resume in May with hearings set for the 5th, 19th, 20th, and 21st. In a separate case, Ali Bello is also being tried in another courtroom, suggesting more legal battles ahead.
