In a significant trial at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abimbola Williams, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa, testified that a total of N640 million was withdrawn from the Kogi State Government account within a span of six days. This testimony relates to the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and others over alleged fraud involving N110.4 billion.
Williams reported that the withdrawals were executed through 64 cheques of N10 million each by Abdulsalami Hudu, the former Chief Accountant of the Government House, between July 31 and August 6, 2019.
The prosecution, led by counsel Pinheiro, confirmed the serial transactions involving Hudu. Williams affirmed that the total cash withdrawal during that period amounted to N640 million, which was made in multiple transactions.
During cross-examination, the defense counsel Joseph Daudu highlighted that Williams, as a compliance officer, could not ascertain the reasons behind the withdrawals but confirmed that the bank did not breach any regulations in allowing them.
Williams also noted that while the bank inquired about the purpose of transactions for high volumes, such questions were not posed for cash withdrawals. The trial continues, with the next hearing scheduled for October 9, 2025.
