The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday presented its first witness in the ongoing N110.4 billion fraud trial of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The trial, which is being held at the Federal High Court, saw an estate developer, Fabian Nwora, take the witness stand to testify about financial transactions linked to the case.
Nwora, the Chairman of Efab Property Nigeria Limited, told the court how his company was compelled by the EFCC to return N550 million allegedly paid by one Shehu Bello for a property in Maitama, Abuja, in 2020.
“I was invited by the EFCC in February 2023 and made a written statement on February 8, 2024,” Nwora said. “The EFCC called me regarding a transaction between Efab Property and Shehu Bello over a property at No. 1, Ikogosi Street, Maitama.”
According to Nwora, the property was initially listed for N570 million but was later sold to Shehu Bello for N550 million.
However, the name on the sale agreement was different from that of the buyer, reading “Dr. Bello Ohianyi” instead of Shehu Bello.
Three years after the purchase, Shehu Bello allegedly approached Efab Property, stating that the EFCC was investigating the transaction and demanding a refund of the payment made.
“The EFCC later invited us for questioning and directed us to refund the N550 million to their account. We returned N400 million in the first batch and N150 million in the second batch,” Nwora added.
During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered the property’s sale agreement and other related documents, which were admitted into evidence and marked as exhibits.
Defense counsel J.B. Daudu (SAN) objected to the witness’ testimony, arguing that the prosecution had not provided the defense with the witness’ statement beforehand.
“How can I cross-examine a witness when I have not seen the statement on oath? I need time to prepare my questions,” Daudu said.
However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered the claim, stating that the witness list had been provided earlier.
The presiding judge, Justice Maryanne Anenih, ruled in favor of the prosecution, allowing Nwora to testify. The case was then adjourned to April 3 for further proceedings.
Yahaya Bello, who served as the Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is facing 16 counts of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds brought against him by the EFCC.
This high-profile trial has drawn significant public attention, with observers keenly following developments as the case unfolds in court.