A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has testified that government funds were allegedly used to pay his children’s school fees at the American International School, Abuja (AISA).
Testifying before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, March 7, 2025, Nicholas Ojehomon, an internal auditor at AISA, revealed that multiple payments were made through various companies solely for the benefit of Bello’s children.
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He laid bare Payments Traced to Companies the following companies
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Ojehomon detailed payments made by companies to AISA, referencing several exhibits:
Forza Oil and Gas paid $49,600 for Zara Omoneke Bello and $44,700 for Fatima Bello Oziohu.
Whales Oil and Gas transferred $11,000 for Farid Oricha Bello.
Alyeshua Provision Services paid $78,160 for Fatima Ohizio Bello.
Unnaki General Trading Limited sent multiple payments of $75,000 for Na’ima Ohunene Bello and others.
Dada Grant Merchant Limited (Uganda) wired $90,000, while Manzi Issa (Ugandan national) transferred $100,000.
Ojehomon confirmed that all receipts issued by AISA were in the names of Bello’s children and not in the names of the companies that made the payments.
During cross-examination, defense counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, attempted to introduce certified true copies of receipts and rectification documents from a separate civil suit (Suit No. FCT/HC/CB/2574/2023) between Ali Bello and AISA. However, Pinheiro objected, citing the Evidence Act, arguing that such documents could only be tendered at this stage if they contradicted a witness’s testimony.
Justice Nwite ruled that the court would decide on the admissibility of the documents at the next hearing. The trial was adjourned to May 8 and 9, 2025.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, insists that the payments were part of an alleged misappropriation of public funds. The prosecution claims that state resources were used to cover personal expenses, including school fees for Bello’s children.