Yahaya Bello trial: EFCC witness details alleged kickback scheme

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A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that he paid between 50 and 60 per cent of commissions earned by his company from consultancy services to officials of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service.

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The witness, who testified as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 18th prosecution witness (PW18), made the disclosure before Justice Maryanne Anineh while being led in evidence by EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

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The EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N110.4bn.

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The witness told the court that his company, involved in information technology, software development and tax automation services, was engaged by KSIRS for consultancy work.

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“My company had business dealings with the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service. It was in connection with that that my company was invited,” he said.

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He explained that the initial agreement provided for a 15 per cent commission on tax collections above N350m, later reviewed downward to five per cent.

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“The agreement was to receive 15 per cent commission on transactions above N350m. The agreement was later reviewed downward to five per cent because the internally generated revenue had grown significantly,” he said.

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The witness identified former KSIRS Chairman, Yakubu Oseni, as one of the officials he dealt with during the arrangement, adding that payments from his firm’s commissions were shared with unidentified stakeholders.

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“Between 50 and 60 per cent of the commissions were paid to certain stakeholders,” he told the court.

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When asked if such payments were part of the consultancy agreement, he responded: “No.”

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He added that payments were made through bank transfers and cash transactions based on directives allegedly routed through Oseni’s Personal Assistant, Yusuf Abdulmumuni, and later through his successor’s aide, Abdulwahab.

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The witness also identified account statements of Bespoke Business Solution as exhibits before the court, noting that a nominee signatory, Jami’u Salihu, operated independently on the account.

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“Jami’u Salihu signs independently from me,” he said.

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Reviewing financial exhibits, he confirmed inflows from KSIRS, including N92.4m on August 9, 2017, and N261.8m on August 14, 2017, followed by withdrawals made by Salihu.

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He also confirmed N70m in payments to Efab Properties, but stated he could not identify the purpose of the transaction.

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“I wouldn’t know which property was paid for because it was not my transaction,” he said.

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He further told the court that he was not aware of complaints from the Kogi State Government regarding the consultancy services.

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“No,” he responded when asked if there were complaints.

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During cross-examination by defence counsel, P.B. Daudu (SAN), the witness confirmed the identities of other shareholders in his company and maintained that the consultancy services were satisfactorily executed.

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Another prosecution witness, PW19, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, also testified, identifying several companies and accounts linked to his business dealings.

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Earlier, PW17, Shenu Bello Bala, an estate agent, completed his testimony and was discharged after cross-examination.

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Justice Maryanne Anineh adjourned the matter to October 14, 15, 27, and 28, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings at the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

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