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₦1.1bn Kogi Commission Payment Lawful, Witness Tells Court

Published

9 months ago

January 17, 2026

By Comfort Olayinka

A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, that a tax consultant engaged by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) acted within Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations in withdrawing over ₦952 million paid as commission.

Testifying in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and two others over alleged corruption, Mr David Ajoda, a Compliance Officer with Sterling Bank, disclosed that KSIRS paid a total sum of ₦1,164,929,569 to the tax consultant between January and August 2019.

Ajoda said that within the same eight-month period, ₦952.4 million was withdrawn from the consultant’s Sterling Bank account, leaving a balance of ₦212,525,569. According to him, the withdrawals were carried out in multiple tranches by one Phillip Unar and followed a consistent pattern.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the witness tendered the consultant’s bank account records, which were admitted by the court. He noted that prior to the consultancy engagement, the account balance stood at just over ₦2 million, adding that inflows rose sharply once the tax consultancy arrangement commenced.

However, Ajoda admitted that he had no knowledge of the specific terms or scope of the tax consultancy agreement between KSIRS and the consultant.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), the witness confirmed that the name “Kogi State Government” did not appear in the bank transactions and that the account belonged solely to the consultant, who was legally entitled to make withdrawals in line with existing laws.

He further told the court that CBN regulations permit maximum cash withdrawals of ₦5 million per transaction for individuals and ₦10 million for corporate entities, stressing that the consultant’s withdrawals did not breach these limits. Consequently, he said, no suspicious transaction report was filed against the account.

Ajoda also confirmed that neither Yahaya Bello nor his co-defendants—Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu—featured as beneficiaries of any withdrawals from the account. He added that KSIRS is a distinct entity from the Kogi State Government.

Justice Maryann Anenih subsequently adjourned further hearing in the matter to February 10.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

17 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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