A Bureau de Change operator has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that he handled foreign exchange transactions worth ₦1.425 billion over two months on behalf of Abba Adaudu, an individual linked to the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The witness, Jamilu Abdullahi, gave the testimony on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while appearing as the 19th prosecution witness before Justice Maryanne Anineh.
He told the court that the transactions took place between December 15, 2021, and February 21, 2022, with the foreign currencies purchased delivered to Adaudu.
The testimony forms part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) prosecution of Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, over alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.
Witness Details Cash Deposits and Bank Transfers
While examining financial records presented before the court, Abdullahi identified several cash deposits and bank transfers into accounts associated with him and his company, Kunfayakun Global Limited.
He explained that the funds were provided by Adaudu for foreign exchange transactions and were not gifts.
According to the witness, some of the transactions involved cash deposits of ₦10 million each through a bank branch in Lokoja.
However, he denied personally visiting the branch to make certain deposits recorded in his name, explaining that the names attached to the transactions depended on Adaudu’s instructions.
Abdullahi also identified substantial transfers involving companies linked to Adaudu.
These included a ₦100 million transfer and another ₦400 million transaction through Keyless Nature Limited, as well as transfers totalling ₦600 million from Ejadams Essence Limited on February 18, 2022.
He further identified a ₦325 million transfer from Ejadams Essence Limited on February 21, 2022, bringing the total of these particular transfers to ₦1.425 billion.
The witness maintained that the funds were used to purchase foreign currencies, which he subsequently delivered to Adaudu at different locations in Abuja.
School Fees Payments Also Feature in Testimony
Abdullahi also told the court about transactions involving accounts associated with Forza Oil, Alyeshua and Whales Oil and Gas.
According to his testimony, the accounts were used to make school fee payments to the American International School, Abuja, based on payment instructions and details supplied by Adaudu.
He identified Fatima Bello, Zahra Bello and Na’ima Bello among the names associated with the payments and said he forwarded receipts to Adaudu as evidence that the transactions had been completed.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, the witness said he had no direct dealings with the defendants. He also stated that he could not recall the total amount of cash he had handed to Adaudu because of the numerous transactions involved.
Court Adjourns Proceedings
Bello is standing trial alongside Oricha and Hudu on a 16-count charge brought by the EFCC over alleged financial crimes involving ₦110.4 billion.
The latest testimony provides details of foreign exchange transactions that the prosecution is examining as part of its case. However, the allegations remain before the court, and the witness’s account does not by itself establish the guilt of the defendants.
Justice Anineh adjourned the matter until October 27 and November 24, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
Source: Daily Trust Read the original report.
