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₦110.4 Billion Scandal: Witness Reveals Shocking Pattern of Withdrawals From Kogi Treasury.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday presented fresh evidence before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the anti-graft agency revealed a series of suspicious and repeated cash withdrawals allegedly carried out from Kogi State Government House accounts between 2016 and 2018. Bello is being prosecuted alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.
During the resumed hearing, the sixth prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, detailed before the court how huge sums were withdrawn in rapid succession by the second defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu. Bata, who testified under subpoena, presented the court with several entries from bank records showing numerous large withdrawals within short intervals.
He told the court that on February 12, 2016, Hudu made 21 withdrawals totaling ₦200 million. Similar patterns were recorded on multiple occasions, including March 10, 2016, when ₦100 million was withdrawn in batches, and in June 2016, when ₦319 million was taken out over three separate days.
The witness further disclosed that between July and August 2016, the withdrawals continued consistently, often following inflows from Kogi State revenue accounts or related ministries. On August 2, 2016, ₦50 million was credited from the state’s statutory revenue account, followed by ₦50 million from Idhu Integrated Services and ₦15.5 million from the Ministry of Finance.
Bata revealed that on August 31, 2016, there were 21 withdrawals totaling ₦188.7 million, and on October 27 of the same year, another 21 withdrawals were made amounting to ₦188.2 million. The witness also stated that on December 21, 2016, forty separate withdrawals were executed on the same day by the same individual.
The bank official went on to testify that the trend continued through 2017 and 2018. On May 9, 2017, ₦203.2 million was withdrawn in 29 transactions, while on November 1, 2017, ₦200 million was taken through 20 withdrawals. The following year, between January 30 and February 2, 2018, ₦1.09 billion was withdrawn in just four days.
He also confirmed that on November 14, 2016, the account balance dropped to zero, but shortly after, new inflows began, including ₦74.3 million on December 6, followed by transfers and payments to individuals and firms such as Echies Designs and Cost Associate Limited and Efab Properties.
The EFCC also tendered evidence of international transactions, including transfers to accounts allegedly linked to Bello’s relatives for school payments in the United States. The witness confirmed debit entries amounting to $42,170 and $78,160 made to the American International School, Abuja, in the names of Naima Ohunene Bello and Fatima Oziohu Bello.
At the close of his testimony, defence counsel Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, requested an adjournment to enable the lead defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, to study the witness’s testimony before cross-examination. However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the application, arguing that the defence had no valid grounds for delay.
Justice Anineh, after considering both arguments, granted a short adjournment “in the interest of justice” and fixed further hearing for Thursday, November 13, 2025.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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