February 24, 2025 – The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud continued on Monday before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented key financial documents, including bank records of the American International School, Abuja, as evidence against Bello.
The court admitted 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 were marked as Exhibits 521-5277, while the specific statement of account was admitted as Exhibits 621-622.
The EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), called its first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited. Adeleke testified that a property at House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, was purchased for ₦70 million via bank transfer by one Nuhu Mohammed. He also confirmed that EFAB Properties received ₦550 million for another transaction, following internal approval procedures.
However, under cross-examination by defense counsel J.B. Daudu (SAN), Adeleke admitted he could not verify the source of the ₦70 million transfer. He also stated that while Shehu Bello purchased one of the properties, he could not recall the dollar equivalent of the ₦550 million transaction.
A second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified about financial transaction compliance. He confirmed receiving a subpoena from the EFCC and presented a copy in court, which was admitted as Exhibit 1.
The EFCC further tendered the statement of account and account opening package for the 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 is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering, in violation of Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). The former governor was earlier granted bail set at ₦500 million with two sureties in the same amount.
Additionally, Bello is facing a separate 16-count fraud charge at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. In that case, Justice Maryann Anenih granted him bail at ₦500 million, with three sureties in like sum.
The court has adjourned the trial to March 6 and 7, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
The former Kogi governor has been embroiled in multiple legal battles over allegations of corruption and financial misconduct during his tenure. The EFCC continues its investigation, with more witnesses expected to testify in the coming hearings.
Next Hearing: March 6 & 7, 2025.
