NIGERIA: Yahaya Bello’s Name Absent From Property Documents, EFCC Witness Confirms In Court

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

In a major revelation during the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has testified that the former governor’s name does not appear on any property documents linked to the case.

Testifying before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, stated that Bello’s name was not listed in any of the documents related to two properties under investigation.

“The name of the former governor did not reflect on any of the two properties being examined today, and I did not sight him throughout the transactions,” Adeleke told the court.

The EFCC had filed charges against Bello in connection with alleged money laundering and fraudulent property acquisitions.

However, Adeleke, one of the prosecution witnesses, clarified that the transactions in question were conducted by other individuals.

Adeleke testified that in 2020, he was introduced to one Shehu Bello by his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, regarding the purchase of a property located at 1, Ikogosi Road, Maitama, Abuja.

“We had a discussion concerning the purchase of the property in question, and I was informed that Shehu Bello would return to finalize the payment. The agreed price was N550 million,” Adeleke stated.

He confirmed meeting Shehu Bello three times: first for an introduction, second for payment, and third for executing the documents.

Regarding another property located on 5th Avenue, Gwarinpa, Adeleke revealed that it was purchased by one Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million, which was paid via bank transfer. However, he could not recall the exact bank used for the transaction.

Under cross-examination, lead defense counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, asked Adeleke whether his dealings were solely based on instructions from his chairman. Adeleke responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes.”

When asked whether he personally initiated discussions with Shehu Bello, Adeleke confirmed that he had not and also stated that he did not witness him signing any documents.

“Throughout this transaction, did you set eyes on the defendant?” Daudu, SAN, pressed further.

“Not at any time in the course of this transaction,” Adeleke replied.

The defense also inquired if Yahaya Bello’s name appeared on any documents related to the properties, to which Adeleke firmly answered, “No.”

The EFCC also called its second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).

Abimbola presented a subpoena, which was admitted into evidence as “Exhibit 1.”

She read out financial records requested by the subpoena, including the statement of account of the Kogi State Government House from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024.

Other financial records included statements from Maselina Njoku for 2022 and the American International School’s accounts from September 1 to September 30, 2020.

Following the witness testimonies, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to March 6 and 7, 2025, for further trial proceedings.

The case continues to generate national attention as the prosecution seeks to establish a direct link between the financial transactions and the former governor, despite the absence of his name on the property documents presented so far.