By Nkechi Eze
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, resumed on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the third prosecution witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, explained why the American International School, Abuja (AISA), did not fully refund the $845,852.84 paid as school fees for Bello’s children.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, Ojehomon—an auditor at the school—clarified that AISA withheld $84,942 of the amount because it represented tuition already earned during the academic session. He stated that the school returned $760,910.84 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which covered fees paid in advance, while the balance was retained as payment for services rendered.
“The $760,910.84 was the portion of the school fees paid in advance, and it was refunded to the EFCC. The difference was the net fee due for the academic session, which the school retained as legitimate tuition,” Ojehomon told the court.
Earlier in the trial, Ojehomon had testified that all payments made to AISA—whether from private individuals or international sources—were for the exclusive benefit of Bello’s children: Zara Omoneke Bello, Fatima Bello, Na’ima Ohunene Bello, and Farid Bello. He also confirmed that the decision to retain the balance was based on the school’s internal billing policy and not due to any directive from the EFCC.
The proceedings became tense as the defence’s line of questioning drifted, prompting prosecution counsel Olukayode Eniola, SAN, to object, warning that the witness was being pressed to offer opinions beyond the documented evidence. “He is not standing trial and must be protected from speculative or prejudicial questioning,” Eniola argued.
The defence team subsequently requested an adjournment or a stand-down to review the next exhibit. This drew criticism from lead prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who accused the defence of trying to delay the case. He expressed concern over the wasted time and effort of prosecution witnesses. “This is a case of high public interest. I have 28 witnesses and have only taken three,” he noted.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to Friday, May 9, 2025, for the continuation of cross-examination and instructed that both parties complete all necessary document reviews to prevent further delays.
Yahaya Bello is facing 19 charges brought by the EFCC, involving alleged money laundering and criminal breach of trust amounting to N80.2 billion. The charges fall under Section 18(a) and are punishable by Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
