In the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its third witness, Mr. Nicholas Ojehomon, an internal auditor at the American International School, Abuja (AISA), to testify about the alleged transfer of school fees.
Ojehomon stated that there were no transfers from the Kogi State government to AISA for the payment of the former governor's children's school fees. When questioned by Bello’s defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, about the AISA bank statements, Ojehomon confirmed that there were no payments listed from the Kogi State government or the name “Yahaya Bello” in the records provided as evidence.
Despite this, Ojehomon did confirm that other parents did make payments to the school, and those names appeared on the bank statements. The defense lawyer also raised concerns about the lack of direct payment from the Kogi State government, but Ojehomon maintained that no such transfer was reflected in the school's documents.
Additionally, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court ruled on the admissibility of a judgment from the FCT High Court, which was tendered by the defense to argue that the money in question was part of a binding contract for future school fees with AISA and that no illegal transaction took place. The EFCC’s objection to admitting the judgment as evidence was overruled by the judge, who noted the importance of ensuring substantial justice rather than adhering strictly to technicalities.
The court also heard from the witness about the ongoing issue with the EFCC's handling of the payments, particularly with the judgment stating that AISA had no court order to return money paid to EFCC.
The case, which continues to evolve with the ongoing presentation of evidence, has brought into focus allegations of financial malfeasance and the handling of the Bello family’s financial affairs. The trial is set to continue on May 9, with further deliberations expected.
