Olom Otane Egoro, a compliance officer from Access Bank, informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that Daudu Sulaiman, a co-defendant with Ali Bello, was not listed in the Kogi State Government House bank statements at Access Bank from 2019 to 2021.
During a cross-examination on Thursday, Egoro provided details regarding the amended money-laundering charges against Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello, and Sulaiman.
The charges stem from allegations of misappropriation of state funds and money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Egoro previously testified about significant cash deposits into the Kogi State bank account in 2019, which were quickly withdrawn in substantial amounts, typically in increments of N10 million. His testimony was based on bank statements from the Kogi State Government House held at Access Bank between 2019 and 2021.
The court accepted these documents as exhibits upon the request of EFCC’s counsel, Oyedepo.
During the cross-examination led by Ali Bello’s lawyer, Abubakar Aliyu (SAN), Egoro admitted that the compliance unit staff does not maintain the bank’s servers, which is the responsibility of the ICT Department. Additionally, when questioned by Suleiman’s lawyer, Olusegun Jolaawo (SAN), Egoro confirmed that Sulaiman’s name did not appear in the bank records relevant to the case.
Following his testimony, the court excused Egoro from the witness stand and adjourned the proceedings.
The EFCC is also prosecuting the defendants in other related cases being heard by Justices Obiora Egwuatu and Emeka Nwite.
The arraignment of the former Kogi governor in a case before Justice Emeka Nwite has been rescheduled for June 27.