Fresh testimony emerged on Tuesday in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as a prosecution witness told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja that he routinely paid between 50 and 60 per cent of tax consultancy commissions received from the Kogi State Government as kickbacks during Bello’s administration.
The testimony was presented in the trial involving Bello and two other defendants, who are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N110.4 billion. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuses the defendants of misappropriating public funds during Bello’s tenure as governor. Bello has denied all allegations.
According to the witness, who testified for the prosecution, a substantial portion of the commissions earned from tax consultancy contracts awarded by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) was allegedly returned to government officials and other beneficiaries as kickbacks.
The witness’s account forms part of the EFCC’s efforts to establish how funds generated through tax consultancy arrangements were allegedly diverted during the period under investigation.
Earlier proceedings in the case heard evidence from bank officials who disclosed that more than N1.16 billion was paid as commission to a tax consultant engaged by the Kogi State revenue agency between January and August 2019. Court records showed that the funds were subsequently withdrawn through multiple transactions after being paid into the consultant’s account.
The prosecution maintains that the transactions are linked to a broader scheme of alleged financial misconduct involving public funds. During the hearing, the witness provided details of the consultancy arrangement and the manner in which the commissions were allegedly shared, while responding to questions from prosecuting counsel.
Bello’s legal team has consistently challenged aspects of the prosecution’s case and has argued that the charges are unfounded. The former governor recently failed in a bid to halt the proceedings after the court dismissed objections challenging its jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The trial, which has attracted significant public attention, is one of several corruption cases currently pending against the former governor. In a separate matter before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Bello is also facing allegations relating to the alleged laundering of N80.2 billion in public funds, charges he similarly denies.
Justice Maryanne Anenih adjourned proceedings for the continuation of trial, as the court continues to hear evidence from prosecution witnesses in the high-profile case.
The EFCC has said it remains committed to proving the allegations beyond reasonable doubt, while the defence insists that the former governor will be vindicated at the conclusion of the trial.
