Witness Tells Court He Paid Up to 60% of Consultancy Commissions to Kogi Revenue Officials in Yahaya Bello Trial
Fresh revelations emerged on Wednesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello testified that a significant portion of consultancy commissions earned by his company was paid to officials of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS).
Punch reports that the witness, who appeared as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s 18th prosecution witness, told the court that between 50 and 60 percent of the commissions received by his company from consultancy services were paid to certain stakeholders linked to the Kogi State revenue agency.
However, here’s what we found out: the witness stated that these payments were not included in the original consultancy agreement signed between his company and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service. According to him, his company specialized in information technology, software development, and tax automation services and was contracted by the agency to provide consultancy support.
He explained that the initial agreement entitled his company to receive a 15 percent commission on tax collections exceeding N350 million. However, as the state’s internally generated revenue increased significantly, the commission rate was later reduced to five percent.
The witness identified former KSIRS Chairman, Senator Yakubu Oseni, as one of the officials he interacted with during the consultancy arrangement. He further disclosed that instructions regarding the distribution of payments were allegedly communicated through Oseni’s personal assistant and later through an aide to his successor.
According to the witness, the payments were made through a combination of bank transfers and cash transactions. He maintained that a large portion of the commissions earned by the company was shared among unnamed stakeholders based on directives received.
During the proceedings, the witness also identified account statements belonging to Bespoke Business Solution in Zenith Bank and Sterling Bank. He informed the court that one Jami’u Salihu operated independently as a nominee signatory on the company’s accounts.
While reviewing financial records presented as evidence, the witness confirmed several inflows from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, including payments amounting to N92.4 million and N261.8 million received in August 2017. He also acknowledged that withdrawals were subsequently made from the accounts by Salihu.
The court further heard that a payment of N70 million was made to Efab Properties. However, the witness stated that he could not explain the purpose of the transaction because he was not directly involved in authorizing it.
When questioned about the quality of services rendered by his company, the witness said he was not aware of any complaints from the Kogi State Government regarding the consultancy project. He maintained that the services provided were satisfactorily executed.
Another prosecution witness, identified as a Bureau de Change operator, also appeared before the court and testified about several companies and accounts connected to his business activities. Earlier, an estate agent who testified as the 17th prosecution witness concluded his evidence and was discharged after cross-examination.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Yahaya Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on allegations involving criminal breach of trust and money laundering totaling N110.4 billion. The defendants have denied wrongdoing.
Following the day’s proceedings, Justice Maryanne Anineh adjourned the case until October 14, 15, 27, and 28, 2026, for the continuation of trial.SEO Headline Alternative
Yahaya Bello Trial: Witness Says 60% of Consultancy Commissions Went to Kogi Revenue Officials