EFCC TRIAL: WITNESS CLAIMS KOGI REVENUE BOARD DISBURSED N1.1BN TO CONSULTANT IN 8 MONTHS

January 16, 2026

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By: Fasasi Hammad

A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), David Ajoda, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) paid N1.16 billion in commissions to a tax consultant over an eight-month period in 2019.

Ajoda, a Sterling Bank Compliance Officer, stated that the consultant withdrew N952.4 million from the account during this period, leaving a balance of N212.5 million. The withdrawals were reportedly carried out by one Phillip Unar.

The witness, appearing in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two others on alleged corruption charges, tendered the consultant’s account records as evidence, though he acknowledged he was not privy to the specifics of the consultancy agreement.

During cross-examination, Ajoda confirmed that the bank account did not bear the Kogi State Government’s name, that all withdrawals complied with Central Bank of Nigeria regulations, and that neither Bello nor his co-defendants benefited from the transactions. He also clarified that KSIRS operates independently from the state government.

Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned proceedings until February 10 for further hearing.