The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has adjourned the money laundering case involving the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to March 6 and 7, 2025. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instituted the trial against Bello over allegations of financial misconduct and money laundering.
Court Proceedings and Key Testimonies
During cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, questioned the witness about the extent of his independent involvement in the case. When asked if his actions were purely based on the instructions of his chairman, the witness responded, “Yes.”
Further questioning revealed that the witness had not personally initiated discussions with Shehu Bello regarding the transactions. Additionally, when asked whether he saw the defendant during the transactions, he replied in the negative. The witness also confirmed that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear on any transaction documents presented by the EFCC.
EFCC Presents More Evidence
The prosecution presented a second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer at United Bank for Africa (UBA), who was subpoenaed to testify. Abimbola provided crucial financial documents, including the statement of account for the Kogi State Government House from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024. Additional documents admitted as evidence included statements of accounts for Maselina Njoku (January to December 2022), as well as account opening packages and financial records for American International School (September 2020).
Investigation Into Property Transactions
EFCC’s first witness, Segun Adelakun, the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, told the court that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear on any documents related to two properties under investigation. These properties, located at Ikogosi Road, Maitama, and another in Gwarinpa, were allegedly linked to money laundering activities.
Adelakun further testified that in 2020, his chairman introduced him to Shehu Bello, who negotiated and facilitated the property purchases. He recalled meeting Shehu Bello three times: once for introductions, another time for payment, and the last time for signing legal documents related to the EFAB property.
When questioned about a separate property at 5th Avenue in Gwarinpa, the witness confirmed that it was purchased by Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million via bank transfer. However, he could not recall the specific bank involved in the transaction.
Bottom Line
Following these testimonies, the court adjourned the trial to March 6 and 7, 2025, for further proceedings. With the EFCC determined to prosecute the case to its conclusion, all eyes remain on the judiciary as the trial of Yahaya Bello continues.
