Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s N110bn ‘Fraud’ Trial to July 8
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has adjourned the trial of Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State governor, to July 8, over alleged misappropriation of N110,446,470,089.
Bello is facing a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, alongside two former government officials — Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges the trio diverted Kogi State funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the first prosecution witness, Fabian Nwora, chairman of EFAB Properties, concluded his testimony. Nwora told the court he began negotiation for a Maitama property with one Shehu Bello, but the deal was finalized by Segun Adeleke, the EFCC’s second witness.
Adeleke testified that Nwora briefed him in 2020 regarding the property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama. He said the transaction was concluded with a N500 million payment.
Adeleke also recalled an instance when Bello returned the property agreement, saying he was no longer interested due to the EFCC’s involvement. “He was no longer interested in the property as a result of the EFCC investigation,” he said.
The court admitted documents issued to one Nuhu Muhammed concerning a unit in EFAB’s Gwarinpa development. Joseph Daudu, counsel to one of the defendants, objected, arguing a “disconnect between the documents sought to be tendered and the foundation laid by the witness.” The objection was overruled.
During cross-examination, Adeleke clarified that he had no direct dealings with any of the three defendants and that their names did not appear on any of the transaction documents.
The matter was adjourned to July 8 for continuation of trial.
