Yahaya Bello Trial: Witness Links Kogi Funds to Private Accounts

By Love Oyedokun

Abuja, Nigeria – The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello continued on Friday, January 30, 2026, with an Access Bank compliance officer, Olomotane Egoro, testifying about suspicious financial transactions. Bello is facing charges by the EFCC for allegedly laundering ₦80.2 billion.

Cablenews24 reports that Egoro stated that funds originating from Kogi’s local governments were deposited into multiple private accounts and then quickly transferred. He highlighted transactions involving Keyless Nature Limited and Hayzma Business Enterprise, noting that deposits were often structured to fall below the ₦10 million reporting threshold, thus evading scrutiny by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

The witness pointed to large cash withdrawals by one Yakubu Siyaka from Hayzma Business Enterprise, totaling ₦546.6 million within 12 days in August 2020. He also described transfers from Keyless Nature Limited to another account at Fidelity Bank immediately after receiving funds from local governments.

The defense requested more time to review the documents. The case was adjourned until February 4 and 5 for cross-examination and further hearing