₦80.2bn fraud: Yahaya Bello’s trial adjourned to November 11

The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, for alleged misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion in state funds. Justice Emeka Nwite set the continuation of the trial for Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Bello faces prosecution by the EFCC over alleged diversion of Kogi State government funds during his tenure as governor.

Monday’s proceedings featured the cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel, a Zenith Bank compliance officer, and testimonies from three other bank officials.

Arhyel confirmed multiple cash withdrawals from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account by Abdulsalam Hudu and Comfort Olufunke in sums of ₦10 million.

He also detailed payments to several hotels, including Idrinana Hotels, Edge Drive Hotels, JF Hotels, May Treasure Resort, Halims Hotels, Nostalgia Suites, and Hope Confluence Hotels.

Following Arhyel’s testimony, Jesutoni Akoni of Ecobank produced the statement of account of Moses Wadzu Ileku (January–December 2016), highlighting deposits ranging from ₦3 million to ₦20 million from individuals including Ileku, Abdulwahab Sabo, and Shehu Bello.

Mohammed Bello Hassan of Keystone Bank presented the account statement of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, confirming a total transfer of ₦100 million between February 17–22, 2021, by Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak.

Finally, Olomotane Egoro of Access Bank tendered 12 sets of bank documents under subpoena, providing customer details from the bank database despite some missing account packages.

All documents were admitted into evidence.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until November 11, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.