The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to March 6 and 7, 2025, following the testimony of two prosecution witnesses presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called Segun Joseph Adeleke, the General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, as a witness.
However, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected, arguing that Adeleke’s name was not on the initial witness list, which could impact cross-examination. The court, however, allowed the testimony to proceed.
Adeleke testified regarding two properties located at Ikogosi Road, Maitama, and Gwarinpa, stating that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear on any of the documents related to the transactions.
He recalled being introduced to Shehu Bello in 2020 by his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, regarding the purchase of one of the properties for N550 million. He further stated that he met Shehu Bello three times—during the introduction, payment, and document execution stages.
Regarding another property at 5th Avenue, Gwarinpa, Adeleke confirmed that it was purchased by Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million via bank transfer, though he could not recall which bank was used.
Under cross-examination, Adeleke affirmed that his actions were based on his chairman’s instructions and that he had never met Yahaya Bello during the transactions. He also confirmed that Bello’s name did not appear on any of the documents submitted to the EFCC.
The prosecution then called a second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), who testified under a subpoena. She presented financial documents, including the statement of account for Kogi State Government House (2016–2024), the account records of Maselina Njoku (2022), and the American International School’s account details (September 2020).
Following the witness testimonies, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to March 6 and 7, 2025, for further proceedings.
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