UBA Official Details How Yahaya Bello Withdrew ₦640m From Kogi Govt Account in Six Days | The Bureau News
By Queen Madaki, Abuja
The Bureau News reports that a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Abimbola Williams, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama that a total of ₦640 million was withdrawn from the Kogi State Government account within six days in 2019.
Williams, who testified as the third prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, explained that the funds were withdrawn through 64 cheques of ₦10 million each by the then Chief Accountant of the Government House, Abdulsalami Hudu, between July 31 and August 6, 2019.
Bello, Hudu, and the Director-General of the Kogi Government House Administration, Shaibu Oricha, are currently facing trial before Justice Maryanne Anenih over an alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
UBA Testifies on Withdrawals and Account Activity
Under examination by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Pinheiro (SAN), Williams confirmed that multiple cash withdrawals were recorded within the six-day window. She explained that although she was a Compliance Officer, she did not directly manage the Kogi account, clarifying that “customers are allowed to withdraw any amount, provided the mandate is valid.”
Williams also confirmed that a separate series of transfers were made from the Government House account by one Bello Abdullateef on July 5, 2019, but none violated banking regulations. She said she was unaware of how the withdrawn funds were eventually utilized.
More Bank Officials Testify
The EFCC also called its fourth witness, Jesutoni Akoni, a Compliance Officer with Ecobank, who detailed cash deposits totaling about ₦57 million linked to the ongoing investigation. The fifth witness, Victoria Oluwafemi of Polaris Bank, also testified, confirming related transactions under scrutiny.
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to first hear a pending application challenging its jurisdiction. However, the prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that the motion was not yet ripe for hearing.
Trial Adjourned to October 9
After listening to both parties, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to October 9, 2025 for continuation of trial. The case, which has drawn national attention, continues to be closely monitored as the EFCC intensifies efforts to recover allegedly misappropriated state funds.
Broader Economic Impact
The Bureau News notes that the allegations come amid public concerns about fiscal accountability and governance in several Nigerian states. Analysts warn that corruption in state finances continues to affect public infrastructure, agricultural funding, and local markets — reflected in food price instability in major cities.
According to recent data from foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today, prices of essential items remain high due to poor logistics, insecurity, and policy inconsistency.
Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News
| Item | Mile 12 (₦) | Wuse Market (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50kg) | 64,800 | 67,900 |
| Beans (50kg) | 58,000 | 61,000 |
| Garri (50kg) | 23,800 | 24,600 |
| Palm Oil (25L) | 35,000 | 37,100 |
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