The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ₦80.2 billion fraud case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, setting the next hearing for March 6 and 7, 2025.
The trial, initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involves allegations of money laundering and financial mismanagement during Bello’s tenure as governor.
Inside the Courtroom: Witnesses Testify
During Monday’s proceedings, two key prosecution witnesses provided testimony regarding high-value property transactions allegedly linked to the case.
Real Estate Deals Under Scrutiny
The first witness, Segun Adeleke, who serves as the General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, detailed transactions involving two expensive properties in Maitama and Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Adeleke revealed that in 2020, he was introduced to Shehu Bello, who handled the property transactions.
However, he emphasized that Yahaya Bello’s name never appeared in any official documents related to the purchases.
He stated:
“My chairman, Chief Dr. Fabian Nwora, introduced me to Shehu Bello. They had already discussed purchasing a property, and Shehu came to make the payment.
The agreed price was ₦550 million for the property at Number 1, Ikogosi Road, Maitama.
He paid in U.S. dollars, and we confirmed the exchange rate from a Bureau de Change before completing the transaction.”
Regarding the second property in Gwarinpa, Adeleke testified that House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, was purchased for ₦70 million by a man named Nuhu Mohammed, who made a one-time bank transfer.
When cross-examined by the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Adeleke confirmed that at no point did he meet Yahaya Bello in person or see his name on any transaction documents.
Bank Records Presented as Evidence
The second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer from United Bank for Africa (UBA), was subpoenaed to provide financial records linked to the case.
He submitted four sets of bank account statements, including those belonging to:
- The Kogi State Government House (January 1, 2016 – January 31, 2024)
- Macelina Njoku’s account (January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022)
- American International School, Abuja (September 1 – September 30, 2020)
These documents were officially admitted into evidence without objection from the defense.
What’s Next?
With more evidence coming to light, the court has adjourned the case to March 6 and 7, 2025. As the trial unfolds, Nigerians are keenly watching to see how the EFCC’s corruption allegations against the former governor will hold up in court.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for the latest updates on this high-profile trial and other political developments in Nigeria.
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