The legal troubles of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello have intensified as new evidence emerged during proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Presided over by Justice Maryanne Anineh, the court admitted key documents, including a prior judgment and payment receipts linked to school fees transactions at the American International School Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Bello alongside two others over a 16-count charge involving alleged money laundering and criminal breach of trust totaling ₦110.4 billion.

Testimony from prosecution witness Nicholas Okehone detailed how over $569,000 was paid upfront for the education of Bello’s children, raising questions about the source of the funds. The witness also confirmed that Ali Bello had separately filed a suit against the school and was linked to related financial arrangements.

Notably, the defense did not object to the admissibility of the documents, allowing the court to formally enter them as exhibits while the prosecution pushed to fast-track proceedings under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In a parallel case at the Federal High Court, Ali Bello is also standing trial over an alleged ₦10.27 billion fraud, with testimony revealing that funds were allegedly routed through bureau de change operators to associates and entities, including NGOs and private individuals.

Prosecutors allege that some of these disbursements were made on behalf of the former governor, further tightening the legal net around both men. As cross-examinations continue, the cases are shaping into one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption trials, with significant implications for accountability and political credibility.