The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, February 24, 2025, presented its first set of witnesses in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bello is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N80.2 billion, in violation of Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
During proceedings, the court admitted several financial documents as exhibits, including the statement of account and account opening package for American International School, Abuja, Account No. 1000684346, covering September 1-30, 2020, marked as Exhibits 521-5277, and Exhibits 621-622 for the statement of account.
Testimony from EFAB Properties General Manager
The EFCC’s first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testified under examination by the prosecution’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.
Adeleke confirmed that a property at House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, was purchased for N70 million by one Nuhu Mohammed through a bank transfer. He explained that EFAB Properties issued proof of payment and allocation letters for the transaction.
Further inquiries revealed that EFAB Properties also received N550 million for another transaction. Adeleke stated that the company followed standard procedures, with relevant documents signed by its Chairman. However, when asked about the origin of the N70 million transfer, he admitted he could not verify its source.
Under cross-examination by Bello’s defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, Adeleke clarified that he acted based on instructions from his Chairman and had no personal involvement in initiating the transactions.
Regarding another Ikogosi property, he stated that the land had one Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and was divided into two sections labeled 1A and 3B. He noted that EFAB Properties used plot numbers rather than house numbers or street names for documentation.
Adeleke further testified that Shehu Bello purchased one of the properties but could not recall the dollar equivalent of the N550 million transaction. He also confirmed that legal documents were signed by EFAB’s Chairman and given to Bello for his signature, but the signed copies were never returned to the company.
When asked whether Yahaya Bello’s name appeared in any title documents or if he personally witnessed him in the transactions, Adeleke answered no.
UBA Compliance Officer Testifies
The EFCC’s second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), Area 3, Garki, Abuja, also testified.
Abimbola confirmed receiving a subpoena from the EFCC and presented a copy in court, which was admitted as Exhibit 1 without objection from the defence.
The prosecution further tendered the statement of account and account opening package for Kogi State Government House Account No. 1003889575, covering January 1, 2016 – January 31, 2024, which was admitted as Exhibits 2P1 to P61.
Additionally, the EFCC presented financial documents related to American International School, Abuja, covering September 1-30, 2020, which were admitted as Exhibits 521-5277 and Exhibits 621-622 for the statement of account.
Following the admission of these exhibits, the court adjourned the trial to March 6 and 7, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
