The trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, resumed on Thursday, March 8, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During the session, the third prosecution witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the American International School, Abuja (AISA), revealed that the institution retained a portion of the funds paid as school fees for Bello’s children because the amount represented legitimate tuition fees already earned by the school.
According to investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a total of $845,852.84 suspected to be linked to unlawful financial dealings was paid to AISA on behalf of Bello’s children.
The anti-graft agency requested a full refund, but only $760,910.84 was returned.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, Ojehomon explained that the balance of $84,942 was not refunded because it covered tuition services already rendered during the academic session.
He clarified that the refunded amount covered fees paid in advance, while the retained portion was for legitimate services delivered.
“The sum refunded to the EFCC, $760,910.84, represented advance payments.
“The school retained the remaining amount because it covered tuition already provided to the students,” he stated.
Earlier in the trial, Ojehomon testified that all payments received by the school from individuals and international companies were specifically for Bello’s children: Zara Omoneke Bello, Fatima Bello, Na’ima Ohunene Bello, and Farid Bello.
He added that the school independently decided to retain the remaining funds based on its internal financial policies and was not directed by the EFCC to hold back any amount.
As the defence’s line of questioning veered off course, prosecution counsel Olukayode Eniola, SAN, objected, arguing that the defence was attempting to lead the witness into speculative commentary unrelated to the documents in evidence.
“The witness is not on trial and should not be subjected to conjectural interrogation,” he argued.
The defence then requested either a break to review the next exhibit or a formal adjournment.
This request angered the lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who accused the defence of attempting to delay the proceedings.
He expressed frustration over the repeated absence of testimony from witnesses due to such delays.
“My lord, this case is of significant public interest. I have 28 witnesses lined up but have only presented three so far.
“Many of them leave their workplaces only to return without testifying,” Pinheiro noted.
In response, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter until Friday, May 9, 2025, ordering that all documentation reviews be concluded before the next hearing to prevent further setbacks.
Yahaya Bello is facing a 19-count charge from the EFCC, which includes allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
These charges contravene Section 18(a) and carry penalties under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
