Trial of Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello Continues in Abuja

The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud proceeded on Monday, February 24, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first witnesses and submitted key financial documents as evidence against Bello. The court admitted into evidence the statement of account and account opening package for American International School, Abuja, Account No. 1000684346, covering transactions from September 1 to September 30, 2020. These documents were marked as Exhibits 521-5277, while the specific statement of account was recorded as Exhibits 621-622. Following the submission of exhibits and witness testimonies, the court adjourned proceedings to March 6 and 7, 2025.

Bello is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering, offenses that violate Section 18(a) and are punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

The prosecution’s first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testified under examination by EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. Adeleke stated that a property located at House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, was purchased for N70 million by an individual named Nuhu Mohammed through a bank transfer. He also disclosed that EFAB Properties received N550 million for another transaction, which followed standard procedures, including approval from the company’s Chairman.

During cross-examination by defense counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, Adeleke admitted that he could not identify the source of the N70 million transfer. He also confirmed that while Shehu Bello purchased one of the properties, he could not recall the dollar equivalent of the N550 million transaction. When asked whether Yahaya Bello’s name appeared on any title documents or if he had any direct dealings with him, Adeleke stated that he never interacted with the former governor in the course of these transactions.

The second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) at Area 3, Garki, Abuja, testified regarding his compliance duties related to financial transactions. He confirmed receiving a subpoena from the EFCC and presented a copy in court, which was admitted as Exhibit 1 without objection from the defense.

Additionally, the EFCC submitted the statement of account and account opening package for Kogi State Government House Account No. 1003889575, covering transactions from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024. These documents were admitted as Exhibits 2P1 to P61.

Bello appeared in court for the fraud case brought against him by the EFCC, where he faces 19 fraud-related charges. He was granted bail set at N500 million with two sureties of equal sum. In addition, he is facing a separate 16-count fraud charge at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where he was also granted bail under similar conditions.

The former governor remains entangled in multiple legal battles over allegations of corruption and financial misconduct during his time in office.