The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud took a significant turn on Monday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began presenting its witnesses before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Leading the prosecution, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called the first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited. Adeleke testified on property transactions tied to the case, including a N70 million purchase by one Nuhu Mohammed for a house in Abuja’s Gwarimpa district. While confirming that payment was made via bank transfer, he could not verify the source of the funds.
Further revelations indicated that EFAB Properties received N550 million in another transaction. Adeleke confirmed that although legal documents were sent to Bello for endorsement, they were never returned. He also stated that the former governor’s name did not appear in any official title documents linked to the properties.
The EFCC then introduced its second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA). Under a subpoena, Abimbola submitted financial records, including statements and account details of the Kogi State Government House Account and the American International School, Abuja—both covering transactions during Bello’s tenure. These documents, admitted as exhibits, are expected to be pivotal in the case.
Facing 19 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering, Bello has maintained his innocence. The trial will resume on March 6 and 7, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
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