The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began its case on Monday regarding the N80.2 billion money laundering charge against former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the Federal High Court in Abuja. The EFCC, represented by a legal team led by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called two witnesses to provide testimony for the 19-count charge against Bello.
The first witness, Mr. Segun Adeleke, General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, testified in court about property transactions involving a property in Maitama and another in Gwarinpa. He confirmed that his company sold the Maitama property to Shehu Bello for N500 million, but noted that former Governor Yahaya Bello’s name was not included in the title documents. Adeleke recounted that he was introduced to Shehu Bello in 2020 by his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, who facilitated the discussions for the sale. He also mentioned that the Gwarinpa property was purchased by Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million via bank transfer. During cross-examination by Bello’s lawyer, Adeleke reiterated that the former governor’s name did not appear in any of the title documents for either property, and he had never met Bello.
The second witness, Mrs. Williams Abimbola, a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified that her bank was subpoenaed to produce documents for the court, including the statement of the Kogi State Government House account. Justice Nwite then adjourned the case until March 6 to allow Abimbola to complete her testimony. The EFCC has accused former Governor Yahaya Bello of using five proxies to acquire 13 luxury properties in prime areas of Abuja and Dubai, claiming these acquisitions were made with proceeds from criminal activities.
The anti-graft agency accused former Governor Yahaya Bello of attempting to hide over N3 billion by giving it to proxies for safekeeping. Additionally, he allegedly transferred over $700,000 to a bank account in the United States, violating the Money Laundering Prohibition Act. Among those implicated in the alleged fraud are Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, and four others: Dauda Suleiman, Shehu Bello, Rabiu Musa, and Abdulsalam Hudu, who is currently at large. The EFCC claims that Bello’s actions represent a public breach of trust under sections 18(a) and (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, punishable under section 15. The former governor has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail pending the outcome of his trial.