Abuja, Nigeria – March 7, 2025

The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello took a dramatic turn on Thursday, March 6, as the third prosecution witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, testified in court that Bello paid his children’s school fees in advance and in dollars, using funds allegedly linked to an N80.2 billion fraud.

Ojehomon’s testimony was supported by several key documents presented in court, including admission letters, prepaid tuition agreements, and bank transaction records. These documents detailed significant sums of money paid for the education of Bello’s children at foreign institutions.

Additionally, a compliance officer from a financial institution provided evidence of Kogi State Government account transactions, revealing large cash withdrawals amounting to millions. Prosecutors argue that these funds were diverted for personal expenses, including the tuition payments.

However, the defense team challenged the validity of the financial records, raising concerns about the methods used to obtain and verify the transactions. They maintained that the allegations against Bello were politically motivated and lacked concrete evidence directly linking him to fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Bello of misappropriating public funds during his tenure as governor, a charge he has repeatedly denied. As the trial progresses, the prosecution continues to present witnesses and documentary evidence to support its case.

The court is expected to hear additional testimonies in the coming days, as the case against the former governor unfolds.