On Tuesday, Zenith Bank’s compliance officer, Femi Remigus, presented crucial exhibits against Ali Bello, the chief of staff to Governor Usman Ododo, in the ongoing trial for an alleged N3 billion money laundering scheme.
Remigus testified under the guidance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Remigus was the sixth prosecution witness in the case involving Bello, who is also the nephew of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The EFCC had arraigned Bello, along with Abba Daudu, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bello (who remains at large) on February 8, 2023.
They face 18 charges of criminal misappropriation and money laundering of over N3 billion.
The accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the trial, the court was informed that the case was set to continue.
Remigus detailed how large sums of money were deposited into the bank account of Komfort Koncept Company, originating from various local government accounts in Kogi State in 2018.
The funds were transferred at different times to the bank accounts of several of the defendants, including Daudu’s account.
Remigus explained that on October 4, 2018, there were nine separate credits into Komfort Koncept’s account, totaling millions of naira.
These included N18.6 million from Ibaji LGA, N20.9 million from Adavi LGA, N17.5 million from Kogi LGA, and several other large transfers from other local governments.
At the time of these inflows, Komfort Koncept’s bank account balance stood at only N7,275.
Remigus also testified that a transfer of N105 million was made to Daudu and others on the same day.
The EFCC’s legal team introduced various bank documents, including account statements, opening packages, and identification certificates from Komfort Koncept and the implicated individuals.
Despite objections from the defense, led by lawyer Nureni Jimoh, Justice Egwuatu admitted the documents as exhibits, noting that the court would assess their relevance during judgment.
The trial is scheduled to continue on May 5, 19, 20, and 21.
Additionally, Mr. Bello faces another prosecution case before Justice James Omotosho.