A key prosecution witness in the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has told the Federal High Court that withdrawals from the state government’s accounts did not violate any banking laws.

The witness, a compliance officer, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, made the statement during cross-examination before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday in Abuja.

She also confirmed that the former governor’s name did not appear as a beneficiary in the accounts presented as evidence.

During proceedings, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, representing the defence, questioned the witness about certain withdrawals made by one Umar Olufunke, which were not highlighted by the prosecution. The prosecution had focused on withdrawals by Abdulsalam Hudu, the cashier of the Kogi State Government House.

According to Mshelia Bata, the withdrawals each in multiples of ₦10 million occurred between December 2017 and April 2018. The funds were disbursed to various hotels across Kogi State, she said, without indicating any irregularity or direct benefit to the former governor.

The testimony is seen as a reinforcement of the defence’s argument that the transactions were legitimate state expenditures rather than personal enrichment.

The trial continues as the court evaluates evidence and testimony in the ongoing high-profile case that has drawn national attention.