A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that his company paid between 50 and 60 per cent of commissions earned from consultancy services to officials of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS).

The witness, who testified as the 18th prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), gave the evidence before Justice Maryanne Anineh while being led by the commission’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN). Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N110.4 billion. The defendants have denied the allegations.

During his testimony, the witness said his information technology and tax automation company was engaged by KSIRS to provide consultancy services aimed at improving tax collection in the state. He stated that the original agreement entitled the company to a 15 per cent commission on tax collections above N350 million, but the arrangement was later reviewed to five per cent after internally generated revenue increased significantly.

According to the witness, a substantial portion of the commissions received by the company was subsequently paid to certain KSIRS officials and other stakeholders. He identified a former chairman of the agency, Yakubu Oseni, as one of the officials he dealt with during the period.

The witness further told the court that the payments were made from commissions earned under the consultancy arrangement and were shared among individuals involved in the process. The trial was adjourned for continuation of hearing as the prosecution continues to present evidence in support of its case.