Proceedings in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, continued on Wednesday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, with a prosecution witness alleging that a substantial portion of consultancy commissions earned from tax collection services was shared with officials of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS).
Testifying before Justice Maryanne Anenih as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) 18th witness, the businessman stated that his company provided tax automation, audit and advisory services to the state revenue agency under a consultancy arrangement.
According to the witness, the company initially received a 15 percent commission on tax collections exceeding ₦350 million. However, the agreement was later revised to five percent following a significant increase in internally generated revenue and reduced operational costs due to automation.
The witness told the court that between 50 and 60 percent of the commissions earned by the company were subsequently paid to certain officials and stakeholders connected to the revenue agency. He clarified that such payments were not part of the formal consultancy agreement.
He alleged that the disbursements were made through both cash and bank transfers based on directives allegedly conveyed by former KGIRS Chairman, Senator Yakubu Oseni, through his aide, Yusuf Abdulmumuni. He further claimed that similar arrangements continued under Oseni’s successor, Aliyu Nda Salami, through Salami’s personal assistant, identified simply as Abdulwahab.
During his testimony, the witness identified company account statements from Zenith Bank and Sterling Bank, which were admitted into evidence. He noted that although the consultancy relationship operated mainly between 2016 and 2017, some transactions on the Sterling Bank account extended to 2022.
The witness also revealed that one Jami’u Salihu was nominated by Oseni to serve as a signatory to the company’s project account with Zenith Bank. He stated that Salihu had authority to operate the account independently.
While reviewing account records, the witness confirmed several inflows from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, including payments of ₦92.4 million and ₦261.8 million received in August 2017. He also acknowledged that subsequent withdrawals from the account were carried out by Salihu.
The court heard that ₦70 million was paid to Efab Properties in August 2017. However, the witness said he could not identify the specific property involved, insisting he neither initiated nor authorized the transaction.
Additional account records showed credits of about ₦260 million received in September 2017. The witness testified that payments made to Echis Materials, Quant and Kalaz Ventures Limited were executed by Salihu without his direct involvement.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu (SAN), the witness maintained that his company fulfilled all obligations under the consultancy contract and that the Kogi State Government never raised concerns about its performance.
He also confirmed that the appointment of Jami’u Salihu as a signatory followed the completion of all required banking procedures.
The EFCC subsequently presented its 19th witness, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, who identified himself as the owner of E-Traders International Limited, Kunfayakun Global Limited and De-Remita International Limited.
Abdullahi told the court that he became familiar with Keyless Nature Limited and Ejadams Essence Limited through a customer, Abba Adaudu. He also acknowledged knowledge of several companies, including Forza Oil and Gas Limited, Whales Oil and Gas Limited and Alyeshua Solutions Services Limited. Statements from his companies’ accounts, along with his personal account records, were tendered as evidence.
Earlier in the day, the court concluded the cross-examination of the EFCC’s 17th witness, Shenu Bello Bala, who described himself as an estate agent and commodity trader. Bala clarified that despite sharing the same surname, he has no family relationship with either Yahaya Bello or Ali Bello.
He told the court that Ali Bello is a longtime friend and business associate whom he has known since around 2012.
Following the day’s proceedings, Justice Anenih adjourned the case until October 14, 15, 27 and 28, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
