By Muhammad Mamman
A compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Williams Abimbola, has told an Abuja High Court that no banking regulations were breached in transactions involving the Kogi State Government under former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Testifying as the third prosecution witness in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) money laundering case, Abimbola confirmed that all withdrawals from the government account were within the ₦10 million threshold.
Under cross-examination, she explained that while transfers require the purpose of payment, banks are not obliged to query cash withdrawals once the customer’s mandate is valid. She also clarified that no single withdrawal exceeded ₦10 million and that all transactions complied with financial guidelines.
Abimbola, who has worked with UBA for 19 years, further noted that customers are free to withdraw their money as long as proper authorisation is provided.
She identified Abdulsalami Hudu, a former Government House accountant, as one of the authorised signatories to the Kogi account, and confirmed entries described as “Governor’s Security Fund” totalling ₦100 million.
The defence argued that the case should be adjourned to address a pending jurisdictional challenge, while the prosecution maintained that the hearing should proceed. Justice Maryanne Anenih adjourned the trial until 9 October for continuation.
