An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that there were no records showing any direct transfer of school fees from the Kogi State Government or any of its local governments to the account of the American International School, Abuja (AISA), in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Nicholas Ojehomon, the third prosecution witness and an internal auditor at AISA, made the disclosure during cross-examination by Bello’s legal counsel, Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN.
He also confirmed that the former governor’s name did not appear on any transaction documents relating to the payment of fees.
At the hearing, Justice Emeka Nwite overruled an EFCC objection and admitted as evidence a judgment from the Federal Capital Territory High Court (Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023), which had earlier ruled in favour of the Bello family in a dispute over fee payments and refunds.
The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had previously objected to the admission of the judgment, arguing that the defense could not tender such documents while the prosecution’s case was still ongoing.
However, the court ruled that admissibility is determined by relevance and legal provisions, not by trial stage.
Justice Nwite, in his ruling, stated that the prosecution’s objection was premature and emphasized that the court is guided by the principles of substantial justice rather than procedural technicalities.
The judgment was then admitted as Exhibit 19.
During the cross-examination, the defense referred the witness to the content of the judgment, prompting objections from the prosecution, who argued that the witness was not qualified to interpret court rulings.
However, the judge allowed the defense to proceed.
Reading from the judgment, the witness confirmed that the court had not ordered the school to return any funds to the EFCC, nor was there a ruling labeling the funds as proceeds of money laundering.
The court had previously affirmed that the fee payments were part of a valid agreement between AISA and the Bello family and could not be refunded without a court order.
Additionally, the witness admitted under questioning that the $760,910 payment made to AISA did not bear Yahaya Bello’s name and that there was no indication in the financial records of any transfers from the Kogi State Government or its local councils.
Following the proceedings, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to Friday, May 9, 2025, for continuation of trial.
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