The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to March 6 and 7, 2025.
The case, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), continued on Monday, with two prosecution witnesses testifying about high-value property transactions linked to the former governor.
Real Estate Transactions Scrutinized
The first prosecution witness, Segun Adeleke, General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, testified about property transactions in Maitama and Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Adeleke stated that Bello’s name did not appear on any documents, and he had never met him personally.
Key Points from Adeleke’s Testimony:
- He was introduced to Shehu Bello, who allegedly purchased a Maitama property for ₦550 million, paid in U.S. dollars.
- The payment was converted to naira through a Bureau de Change.
- A Gwarinpa property, House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, was purchased for ₦70 million via bank transfer by one Nuhu Mohammed.
- When asked if he ever met Yahaya Bello during these transactions, he confirmed, "Not at any time."
- He also admitted that Bello’s name was absent from all documents submitted to the EFCC.
Banking Records Submitted in Court
The second witness, Williams Abimbola, a United Bank for Africa (UBA) compliance officer, testified under subpoena, providing bank statements and account records.
Documents admitted into evidence included:
- Kogi State Government House account statements (2016–2024).
- Macelina Njoku’s account records (2022).
- American International School, Abuja’s financial records (September 2020).
Case Adjourned for Further Hearing
Following the testimonies, Justice (presiding judge) adjourned the case to March 6 and 7, 2025, for further hearing.
With new evidence submitted and witness testimonies linking key financial transactions, the trial is set to intensify in the coming weeks, as the EFCC seeks to prove its case against the former governor.
