Court Overrules Yahaya Bello as EFCC Opens N110bn Fraud Case with First Witness

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has overruled an objection raised by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opened its case against him in a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to N110 billion.

The anti-graft agency, on Wednesday, called its first witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, to testify against Bello and his co-defendants.

Justice Maryann Anenih dismissed objections from the defense, which argued that the EFCC had failed to provide some of the proof of evidence required for their prosecution. The court, however, ruled that there was no formal application to support their claims and allowed the trial to proceed.

Witness Testifies on Alleged Property Transactions

During his testimony, Nwaora, owner of EFAB Property, recounted how his company sold a property at No. 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to one Shehu Bello for N550 million in 2020. He further stated that in 2023, Bello returned the property documents, informing his company that the EFCC was investigating the transaction.

Nwaora told the court that he was later summoned by the EFCC and directed to refund the money to an account provided by the agency.

Allegations Against Bello

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is accused of conspiring with two state officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to misappropriate public funds. The charges, filed under case number CR/7781, include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of state funds.

According to the EFCC, Bello allegedly used Kogi State funds to acquire multiple properties, including:

No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja – N950 million

No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja – N100 million

No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja – N920 million

Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N170 million

Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai – 5.69 million Dirhams

Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N60 million

No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N310.4 million

The EFCC also alleged that Bello transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and unlawfully obtained N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

Bail and Adjournment

On December 10, 2024, the court remanded Bello in Kuje Prison, while granting bail to his co-defendants. He was later released on bail set at N500 million, with three sureties of the same amount.

Justice Anenih adjourned further proceedings in the case until April 3.