A witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has testified how he shared commission from a tax automation contract with state officials. The revelation came during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello on charges of corruption and money laundering.
Witness Testimony Details
The witness, who is a contractor, stated that he was awarded a contract for the automation of tax collection in Kogi State. He claimed that after receiving payment, he shared a portion of the commission with top officials in the state government, including individuals close to the former governor. The witness did not name Bello directly but indicated that the arrangement was known to the administration.
According to the testimony, the contract was part of a scheme to siphon public funds through inflated contracts. The witness said he was instructed to over-invoice the project and return the excess to officials. He admitted to complying with the demand, fearing loss of future business opportunities.
EFCC's Case Against Bello
The EFCC has accused Yahaya Bello of diverting billions of naira from the state's treasury during his tenure from 2016 to 2023. The commission alleges that the former governor used front companies and phantom contracts to launder money. The tax automation contract is one of several transactions under scrutiny.
Prosecution lawyers presented documents showing payments made to the witness's company and subsequent transfers to accounts linked to government officials. They argued that the pattern demonstrated a coordinated effort to defraud the state.
Defense Response
Bello's legal team has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. They argued that the witness's testimony lacked credibility and that no direct evidence linked the former governor to the commission sharing. The defense is expected to cross-examine the witness in subsequent hearings.
The trial has attracted significant public attention, given Bello's prominence in Nigerian politics. He served as governor for two terms and is considered a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-Central region.
Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat corruption at the state level. The commission has secured several convictions of former governors in recent years, signaling a tougher stance on financial crimes. However, critics argue that the pace of trials remains slow and that many high-profile cases are stalled in court.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 2025, where the defense will have the opportunity to challenge the witness's account. Meanwhile, the court has ordered the witness to remain available for further questioning.
