The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and two others over alleged N110.4 billion money laundering to October 8, 9 and November 12, 13, 2025.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the second prosecution witness (PW2), Segun Adeleke, a manager at EFAB Property Limited, told the court he had no personal dealings with any of the defendants regarding the property at the centre of the case.
Adeleke testified that none of the defendants’ names appeared on any transaction documents related to the property.
“This is the first time I am seeing His Excellency (Yahaya Bello) in person,” he said, adding that he had only seen the former governor in the media.
The first prosecution witness (PW1), Fabian Nwora, who is the Chief Executive Officer of EFAB Property, also earlier testified that none of the three defendants paid any money into the company’s account. While he admitted knowing Bello, Nwora maintained that the former governor was not involved in the transaction.
Nwora told the court he initiated the property negotiation but handed it over to Adeleke (PW2), who concluded the deal. He recalled that he was invited to the EFCC on February 8, 2023, regarding a transaction involving a certain Shehu Bello and a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama. According to him, it was Shehu who approached EFAB for the purchase.
During his testimony, Adeleke confirmed that in 2020, Nwora asked him to handle the transaction, and Shehu Bello paid N500 million for the property. However, Shehu later returned to cancel the deal due to an EFCC investigation.
“My chairman said he would revert after consulting with our company secretary,” Adeleke said.
Under further examination, he also confirmed that a property in Gwarinpa was sold to one Nuhu Muhammed, and relevant documents were issued to him. At this point, defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), objected to the tendering of the documents, arguing that there was no proper foundation laid by the witness. The judge, however, overruled the objection.
During cross-examination, Adeleke admitted that he had earlier testified before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court and confirmed that he only got involved in the transaction after it had begun. He also acknowledged giving inconsistent statements on the payment method for the Gwarinpa property, initially saying it was paid in one tranche before later saying it was in two.
He admitted to having receipts but also stated that he did not know Nuhu Muhammed personally.
Additionally, a witness subpoenaed by the court, Mrs. Williams Abimbola, presented the statement of account of the Kogi State Government House and a Certificate of Identification. Defence counsel said they would address the document during the trial.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter to July 8 for ruling on a pending application, and to October 8, 9, and November 12, 13, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
