EFCC witness details diversion of over N3 billion from Kogi State LGAs to private accounts, implicating top officials in the ongoing trial

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he trial of Ali Bello, Yakubu Isiaka Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyada Sadat continued on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the Sixth Prosecution Witness, Remigius Egu, detailed how over N3 billion in funds, intended for Kogi State’s Local Government Areas (LGAs), were allegedly diverted and laundered through private accounts.

Also read: EFCC files fresh N110bn fraud charges against Yahaya Bello

The defendants are facing 18 counts of money laundering and the misappropriation of public funds, and the case is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Egu, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank, identified documents from the bank, including a letter to the EFCC Zonal Commander and transaction records that traced substantial inflows of money from various LGAs into the account of Korforte Concept Limited.

On October 4, 2023, the account received large sums from several LGAs, including Ogori Magongo, Ibeji, Adavi, and Okene, with total inflows exceeding N110 million, despite a prior balance of just N7,370.

The witness further revealed that funds were transferred out of the account to Adaudu, one of the defendants, and that additional inflows from other LGAs continued through October 2018.

A detailed breakdown of transactions showed that funds were funneled into the Korforte Concept account, including payments made to Musa Omuya and Adaudu.

Another significant aspect of the case came from the Fifth Prosecution Witness, Oyinkosola Akerele Shukurat, Managing Director of Forza Oil and Gas Limited, who testified about foreign exchange transactions involving school fees payments for members of the Bello family.

The case, which revolves around high-level corruption and money laundering, has seen significant evidence presented, with the court proceedings ongoing.