EFCC Witness Reveals Shocking Truth: ‘I Sign Cheques on Behalf of Edwards,’ Bello’s Name Not on Record’

By Kayode Lawal, Abuja

In a dramatic courtroom revelation, a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Abimbola Williams, has teclarify before a Federal High Court in Abuja that the name of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, does not appear in any account opening packages or withdrawal records tied to the Kogi Government House bank account with United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The testimony, delivered during a high-stakes money laundering trial against Bello, has raised fresh questions about the prosecution’s case.

Mrs. Williams, a Compliance Officer with UBA, told the court that Bello’s name was conspicuously absent from all transactions involving account number 1003889575, managed by the bank for the Kogi Government House Administration during his tenure as governor.

Subpoenaed to testify, she tendered the account opening packages and statements, which were operated under Bello’s governorship, as evidence.

Bello’s name “did not feature in virtually all transactions” related to the account

The EFCC, led by counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN, had requested the production of the statement of account for one Maselina Njoku, spanning January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020.

Williams presented these documents, alongside a detailed readout of cheque withdrawals from the Government House account. She identified Abdulsalami Hudu as the individual responsible for handling fund withdrawals, notably confirming 10 transactions of N10 million each in favor of Hudu on December 12, 2018, all executed via cheques presented across the counter.

However, the testimony took a pivotal turn under cross-examination by Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN. Williams admitted that Bello’s name “did not feature in virtually all transactions” related to the account. She further clarified that she was not the account officer for the Kogi Government House account, which is domiciled in Lokoja, Kogi State—not in Area 3, Abuja, where she is stationed.

Daudu pressed further, asking, “In both the account opening documents and the statement of account from E1 to E72, does the name ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere?” Williams responded unequivocally, “No, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature.” When directed to review Exhibit 2P1-3P62, she reiterated, “My Lord, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature on the exhibits.” With this, Daudu concluded his cross-examination.

I signed on behalf of one Edward Bananga

The EFCC counsel sought to re-examine Williams, prompting an objection from Daudu, though the judge overruled it after a brief argument. Pinheiro then asked if Williams was familiar with the signature on the document. She replied, “I signed on behalf of one Edward Bananga.”

This sparked another objection from Daudu, who argued, “My Lord, the witness initially disowned the signature, but under re-examination, the prosecution led her to admit it. I have the right to challenge that admission and prove her claim regarding the signature is incorrect. Cross-examination is meant to prove the accuracy or veracity of the witness—this is in the interest of justice.”

Daudu then directed Williams to read from the document, which stated, “I, Edward Bananga, hereby certified and confirmed that…” He interjected, “I put it to you that you are not Edward Bananga.” Williams conceded, “I am not Edward Bananga, my Lord,” casting doubt on the authenticity of her role in signing the document.

Earlier, Daudu had probed Williams’ responsibilities as a compliance officer, asking if her duties included protecting the bank’s integrity from legal penalties, reputational damage, and financial losses. “Yes,” she affirmed. She also named the three signatories on the account, noting that for Alhaji Yakubu Ismail, a Permanent Secretary, “We only have his picture on this form.”

The court adjourned the case to March 7, 2025

The prosecution later called a second witness, Nicholas Ohehomon from the American International School, who tendered exhibits including the school’s account statements, admission letters for Bello’s children, and payment receipts. Exhibit 12P, a contractual agreement for post-paid school fees, was also admitted, alongside a letter from the EFCC to the school marked as Exhibit 18, linked to a refund account.

The court adjourned the case to March 7, 2025, for the continuation of the trial, leaving the spotlight on Williams’ admission and the mysterious “Edward Bananga” signature as the EFCC’s case against Yahaya Bello unfolds.