Alleged ₦27bn Fraud: Witness Tells Court Bello Yero Did Not Send Him Money

Prosecution witness gives mixed testimony as EFCC trial of ex-Taraba governor Ishaku continues

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By A1 News Desk | Abuja, Nigeria

Proceedings in the alleged ₦27 billion fraud trial involving former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku took a new turn as a prosecution witness told the court that the second defendant, Bello Yero, did not transfer money to him.

The testimony was delivered before the FCT High Court in Maitama during cross-examination.

The witness, Emmanuel Onwuzunike, a businessman and the second prosecution witness (PW2), made the disclosure while being cross-examined by counsel to the second defendant.

Ishaku and Yero are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and alleged diversion of public funds amounting to ₦27 billion.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the hearing presided over by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, the witness confirmed that although he had a close relationship with Yero and conducted business with him between 2015 and 2021, he did not receive any direct financial transfers from the defendant.

Onwuzunike also told the court that he could not provide communication records such as call logs to support his claims of interaction with Yero.

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Witness Denies Receiving Funds from Defendant

The witness stated clearly that no money was sent to him by the second defendant, either directly or through intermediaries such as P3 Cornerstone or Taiwo Jones.

He also denied withdrawing funds on behalf of Yero or purchasing assets, including cars or property, for him. Additionally, he told the court that the defendant was neither a director nor a shareholder in his business.

However, he confirmed that funds passed through his account for business purposes and that some transactions were made to third parties, including Taiwo Jones and Lawal Damilare.

Contradictions Emerge Under Cross-Examination

Under further questioning, the witness acknowledged that certain funds deposited into his account were linked to transactions carried out on the instruction of his “boss,” whom he identified as the second defendant.

He also confirmed that a loan refund was made to one Nkoli Perpetual, stating that the loan was taken on behalf of Yero.

The prosecution subsequently presented its third witness, Taiwo Jones, who began testifying before the court adjourned proceedings.

The testimony highlights inconsistencies that could influence the strength of the prosecution’s case. Financial crime trials often hinge on documentary evidence and clear money trails, making witness credibility and coherence critical to securing convictions.