A prosecution witness in the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has told the court that there was no valid order directing the refund of children’s school fees to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Testifying before the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, an internal auditor of the American International School Abuja, Nicholas Ojehomon, confirmed that a prior judgement faulted the school’s decision to return the fees.
According to him, the court held that the institution acted improperly by releasing the money to the EFCC without either a court directive or adherence to the terms of its agreement.
During cross-examination, the 14th prosecution witness read from the Certified True Copy of the judgement, which made it clear that any refund to a third party without due process or legal backing breached the prepaid school fees agreement.
The ruling also restrained the school from making such payments in the future unless authorised by a competent court.
The witness acknowledged in court that the school’s action was wrong.
He further stated that the former Governor was not a party to the school fees agreement and that the payments in question did not originate from him.
Following the testimony, Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case to May 8, 2026, for continuation of proceedings, while an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction remains pending.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
