The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has moved the trial of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello to March 6 and 7, 2025, according to justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.
The court adjourned after the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called his two witnesses, one on subpoena.
The first witness, Segun Adelakun, who identified himself as the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, told the Court that the name of the former governor did not reflect on any of the two properties, which are located at 1, Ikogosi Road, Maitama and another one in Gwarinpa.
READ ALSO:  , EFCC Returns $132, 362, N78.5m To Foreign Fraud Victims
Giving an account of what transpired, he said sometime in 2020, his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, introduced him to a young man called Shehu Bello and that they had a discussion concerning the purchase of the property.
When questioned about Shehu Bello’s status, he responded that he had seen him three times. The first time was for introduction, the second time was for payment, and the third time, he brought a legal document to execute the EFAB property.
The witness was then instructed to explain what the EFCC lawyer knew about another property at 5th Avenue in Gwarinpa.
The witness disputed the witness’ assertion that one Nuhu Mohammed had purchased the property for N70 million and paid for it through a bank transfer.
He declined to say whether he remembered the bank where the money was received.
On cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, asked if the witness ‘ actions were purely based on the instructions of his chairman. He responded”, yes. “
Further, the attorney inquired whether it was appropriate to state that he had not initiated a conversation with Shehu Bello alone, and that he had also responded, “yes.”
On the documents signed for the transactions, the Defendant’s Counsel asked the witness if he could confirm that Shehu Bello signed his own part in his presence, he replied that he did not.
Daudu also asked if he set eyes on the defendant throughout the transaction, he replied in the negative.
He was also questioned about whether the defendant’s name appeared anywhere on the documents, which he claimed was from the EFCC, and he also responded in the negative.
The prosecution then informed the court that a third witness could be contacted for a subpoena hearing.
The defense attorney for the defendant said he had no intention of putting the trial on hold, but that they were being taken for granted.
Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer for the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), was the second witness’s identity.
The lawyer requested an evidence subpoena from her and requested it.
The Defendant’s counsel had no objection, and it was marked” Exhibit 1″.
The witness gave the witness the transcripts from the Kogi State Government House statement of account from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024, as requested by the subpoena.
The statements of account of Maselina Njoku, from January 1 to December 31, 2022, were also admitted in evidence, including the account opening packages of American International School and statements of accounts, from September 1 to September 30, 2020.
