The EFCC exposed alleged N3 billion fraud in Kogi’s Local Government Areas on April 8, 2025, during a high-profile Abuja trial.
Four defendants—Ali Bello, Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyada Sadat—face 18 charges for diverting public funds.
They allegedly laundered over N3 billion, with Zenith Bank’s compliance officer Remigius Egu testifying about suspicious transactions.
Meanwhile, Egu revealed Kogi LGAs’ funds flowed into Korforte Concept Limited’s account, which held just N7,370 before suspicious deposits.
On October 4, 2023, Ogori Magongo LGA sent N14.8 million, followed by Ibeji, Adavi, and others totaling N110 million transferred to Adaudu.
Similar transactions occurred in 2018, involving Dekina, Ibaji, and Omala LGAs, with millions sent to Musa Omuya.
Additionally, Forza Oil’s MD, Oyinkosola Shukurat, testified about dollar purchases for Abdul Bashir, funding school fees for Bello family members.
She confirmed that $139,000 was paid to the American International School.
This amount includes three separate transactions of $44,700 for Fatima and Na’ima Bello.
Notably, Ali Bello, nephew to former Governor Yahaya Bello, serves as Chief of Staff, amplifying scrutiny over political ties. Public outrage grew as EFCC shared trial updates, emphasizing accountability for misuse of grassroots development funds.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned proceedings to May 5, 2025, allowing investigators to untangle the web of international and domestic transactions. Citizens demand transparency, with many linking the case to broader systemic corruption in Nigerian local governance.
Child rights advocates stress parallels to recent abuse cases, urging stronger safeguards for vulnerable communities amid financial exploitation scandals. The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting offenders, regardless of political connections or social status.
As the trial progresses, activists call for reforms, including stricter auditing of LGA finances and harsher penalties for embezzlement. For now, the defendants remain in custody, awaiting further hearings that could reshape Kogi’s political landscape.
