Zenith Bank’s compliance officer, Femi Remigus, on Tuesday presented critical evidence against Ali Bello, the chief of staff to Governor Usman Ododo, in the ongoing N3 billion money laundering trial.
The case, being heard before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, involves several defendants, including Bello, who is the nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Bello, along with Abba Daudu, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bello (who remains at large), was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in February 2023 with 18 counts related to criminal misappropriation and money laundering involving N3.08 billion.
The accused have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On Tuesday, Remigus, who was called as the sixth prosecution witness, testified on how large sums of money were transferred into the bank account of Komfort Koncept Company from various local government accounts in Kogi State in 2018.
He explained that on October 4, 2018, nine separate deposits were made into the Komfort Koncept account from different LGAs in Kogi, including Ibaji, Adavi, Kogi, Kabba, Ankpa, Yagba West, and Ofu, totaling millions of naira.
Remigus clarified that before the funds were deposited, the Komfort Koncept account had a balance of just N7,275.
He further explained that on the same day as these deposits, a transfer of N105 million was made to the account of Mr. Daudu and others.
The EFCC’s legal team, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, introduced several associated banking documents, including account statements, account opening forms, and certificates of identification for the accounts of Komfort Koncept, the defendants, and others involved.
Despite objections from the defense team, led by Nureni Jimoh, the court admitted these documents as exhibits.
However, Justice Egwuatu noted that the court would assess the probative value of the documents when delivering the final judgment.
The case has been adjourned to May 5, May 19, May 20, and May 21, 2025, for continued trial.
Also, Bello is facing separate charges in another case before Justice James Omotosho.