The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday opened its case against the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and two others, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are facing a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
The trial, held at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, commenced with the testimony of Fabian Nwora, a property developer with EFAB Property Nigeria Limited.
First Witness Details Property Sale Linked to Case
Led by EFCC’s prosecuting lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Nwora narrated how his company sold an encumbered property to one Shehu Bello but was later forced by the EFCC to refund the transaction amounting to N550 million.
- He stated that he was invited to the EFCC office on February 8, 2023, over the transaction involving a property at No.1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja.
- The sale agreement bore the name Dr. Bello Ohiani, instead of Shehu Bello.
- In 2023, Shehu Bello informed EFAB Property that the property was under EFCC investigation and demanded a full refund.
- The EFCC directed EFAB Property to return the N550 million to an EFCC-designated account, which the company complied with in two tranches.
Nwora stated that he had no further contact with either Shehu Bello or Dr. Bello Ohiani until December 2024, when the EFCC summoned him to testify.
Defense Lawyers Raise Concerns Over Missing Documents
During the proceedings, defense lawyers Joseph Daudu (SAN) for Bello and Oricha and Abubakar Aliyu (SAN) for Hudu complained that the prosecution had yet to serve them some crucial documents. However, Justice Maryanne Anenih rejected their adjournment request, choosing to proceed with the trial.
At a point during the testimony, Justice Anenih adjourned the case until April 3 for further proceedings.
