EFCC Witness Reveals How Kogi Cashier Withdrew Over ₦1bn From Government Account

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has heard how Abdulsalam Hudu, a cashier at the Kogi State Government House, allegedly withdrew over ₦1 billion from the state’s account within just four days.

The revelation came from Mshelia Arhyel, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank Plc, who testified as the sixth prosecution witness (PW6) in the ongoing 16-count money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

According to Arhyel, Hudu—who is also a co-defendant in the case—made several large withdrawals between January 30 and February 2, 2018, with each transaction carried out in tranches of ₦10 million.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the witness detailed that Hudu withdrew a total of ₦1,110,446,470.89 within the four-day window. Reading from Zenith Bank’s transaction records, she cited specific examples, including ₦350 million withdrawn on January 30 and another ₦347,267,000 the following day.

The court also heard that as far back as 2016, Hudu had been making multiple cash withdrawals from the same government account. For instance, on February 21, 2016, he allegedly withdrew ₦200 million through 21 separate transactions. By December 21, 2016, he had already executed 40 withdrawals in total.

The witness further testified that on May 9, 2017, Hudu made additional withdrawals amounting to ₦203,240,000.

“My lord, I can confirm numerous cash withdrawals made by Abdulsalam Hudu which are in an inconsistent pattern,” Arhyel told the court. She also revealed that another official, Umar Olufunke, carried out withdrawals from the same account between November and December 2016, and from January to April 2017.

Following the testimony, Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case to today to allow defense lawyers to cross-examine the witness.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is standing trial alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu on allegations of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).