EFCC Calls First Witness in Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has kicked off its case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is facing a 16-count charge of money laundering.
The trial commenced on Wednesday at a Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution presented its first witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman. This followed a ruling by presiding judge Maryann Anenih, who dismissed an objection by Bello and his co-defendants aimed at delaying the proceedings.
Nwaora, the owner of EFAB Properties, testified that in 2020, his company sold a property in Maitama, Abuja, to a buyer identified as Shehu Bello for ₦550 million. However, in 2023, Shehu allegedly returned all the property documents, citing an EFCC investigation into the transaction.
According to Nwaora, he was later contacted by the anti-graft agency and instructed to refund the sum to an account provided by the EFCC.
Bello and his co-defendants argued that the EFCC had not fully disclosed all the evidence it intended to use, requesting a postponement of the trial. However, Judge Anenih ruled against them, noting that they had not filed a formal application to justify an adjournment.
Bello stands accused of a criminal breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion, a violation under the Penal Code. He has been granted bail set at ₦500 million, with stringent conditions, including three sureties who must own properties in prime Abuja locations such as Asokoro, Wuse 2, and Guzape. The sureties are also required to provide passport photographs and valid identification, including a National Identification Number (NIN).
