Money Laundering Suit: EFCC Presents Witnesses Against Bello

• Yahaya Bello faces 19-count charges of money laundering totaling N82 billion during his tenure as Kogi State Governor

• EFCC witnesses testified about property transactions, including a N500 million purchase in Maitama, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced its case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Bello faces 19-count charges related to money laundering, totalling N82 billion, allegedly committed during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. In December, he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.

On Monday, EFCC witness Olusegun Joseph Adeleke testified that N500 million was used to purchase property in Maitama, Abuja. Adeleke, the general manager of EFAB Properties Ltd, stated that his chairman, Fabian Nwora, introduced him to a transaction in 2020 involving Shehu Bello, who sought to buy a property at No. 1, Ikogosi Street, Maitama.

Adeleke said Shehu Bello visited three times—first for introduction, second for payment, and third to present legal documents and receive a letter of allocation.

Additionally, he testified that one Nuhu Mohammed purchased another property on 5th Avenue, Gwarinpa, for N70 million. However, Bello later sought a refund after learning the property was under EFCC investigation.

Under cross-examination, the witness admitted he never directly saw Yahaya Bello during the transaction.

A second witness, a compliance officer from United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, submitted documents, including the Kogi State Government’s statement of account, Maselina Njoku’s account records from January to December 2022, and details from the American International School’s account in September 2020.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to March 6 and 7 for further hearings.