Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator and third prosecution witness in Ali Bello’s trial, testified on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
OsunDailyNG reports that he confirmed that funds were delivered to him by agents of the Kogi State Government to cover school fees for the daughters of former governor Yahaya Bello.
Under cross-examination by Ali Bello’s counsel, A.M. Aliyu SAN, Abdullahi clarified that each tranche of payment was exchanged for its cash dollar equivalent.
“It was cash that was brought to my office for the payment of the school fees,” he stated.
The defense sought to introduce a WhatsApp conversation between Abdullahi and the second defendant, Abba Adaudu, as evidence.
However, prosecution counsel Abbas Mohammed objected, arguing the court had not been informed of the document.
In response, the defense requested an adjournment to provide the prosecution with the chat records.
Justice Egwuatu approved the request, adjourning the trial to November 6, 2024, for continuation.
Ali Bello, a cousin of Yahaya Bello, is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Adaudu, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat.
The defendants are accused on 18 counts of money laundering and misappropriation, amounting to over N3 billion.
