The money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Yahaya Bello, the immediate former governor of Kogi State, has been adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja to March 6 and 7, 2025, in order to continue the trial.
After Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the prosecution’s attorney, called both of his witnesses—one of whom was subpoenaed—the court adjourned.
Segun Adelakun, the first witness and the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, informed the court that neither of the two properties—one in Gwarinpa and the other at 1 Ikogosi Road in Maitama—had the former governor’s name on them.
While he narrated the event, he said that sometime in 2020, he was introduced to Shehu Bello, a young man, by his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, and they discussed the acquisition of the land.
He claimed to have seen Shehu Bello three times since that day when questioned if he had seen him since. He introduced himself the first time, paid money the second time, and collected legal document for the EFAB property’s execution the third time.
The EFCC lawyer then mentioned another property at 5th Avenue in Gwarinpa and told the witness to tell the court what he knows about it.
Responding, the witness said the property was purchased by one Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million and was paid for through a bank transfer.
He was asked if he remembered which bank the money came from, but he said no.
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.”
The counsel further asked whether it was correct to say that he did not initiate any discussion with Shehu Bello on his own, to which he also answered, “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 asked if the name of the defendant appeared anywhere on the documents, he said were with the EFCC, he also replied in the negative.
The Prosecution then told the court that they had another witness to call on subpoena.
The Defendant’s Counsel objected that they were being taken by surprise but added that he had no intention of stalling the trial.
The second witness identified herself as Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).
She had the subpoena with her, which the lawyer sought to tender as evidence.
The Defendant’s counsel had no objection, and it was marked “Exhibit 1”.
The witness read out the documents the subpoena asked for to include the statement of account of Kogi State Government House, from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024.
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.
Justice Emeka Nwite then adjourned to March 6 and 7, 2025 for continuation of trial.
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