EFCC Witness Clears Kogi Government of Breaching Banking Laws in Alleged Money Laundering Case
A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that no banking law was breached in the withdrawal of funds by the Kogi State Government under former Governor Yahaya Bello. During cross-examination, the fourth prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with a commercial bank, said the withdrawals in question were legitimate and within the limits allowed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. She stated, “The name of the former governor did not appear as a beneficiary in the account presented as evidence,” noting that the transactions made between December 2017 and April 2018, including several ₦10 million withdrawals to hotels in Kogi State, followed due banking procedures. When asked about the legality of the transactions, she responded firmly, “I am not aware of any law that regulates how Kogi State Government spends its money or allocation.” Her statement appeared to weaken the prosecution’s claim that the funds were diverted or laundered for personal use, raising fresh questions about the strength of the EFCC’s case. The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has adjourned the matter till November 11, 2025, for the continuation of trial, where more documents and witnesses are expected to be examined.
| 2025-11-10 16:45:54