Court Admits Evidence Against Yahaya Bello over Alleged N80.2bn Fraud
By Faisal A Harande
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented its first witnesses in the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
The trial, which commenced on Monday, February 24, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, saw the EFCC’s first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testify against Bello.
Adeleke revealed that a property located at House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, was purchased by one Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million, with payment made via bank transfer. He also stated that EFAB Properties received N550 million for another transaction, but could not identify the origin of the N70 million transfer.
The EFCC also presented documents, including the statement of account and account opening package for American International School, Abuja, Account No. 1000684346, which were admitted as Exhibits 521-5277 and 621-622.
Bello’s trial has been adjourned to March 6 and 7, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings. The former governor is accused of violating Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted ¹.
Key Highlights of the Trial:
- 19-count charge: Yahaya Bello is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
- EFCC’s first witnesses: Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, and Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified against Bello.
- Documentary evidence: The EFCC presented documents, including the statement of account and account opening package for American International School, Abuja, which were admitted as Exhibits 521-5277 and 621-622.
- Adjournment: The trial has been adjourned to March 6 and 7, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
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