The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the alleged money laundering case to April 3, April 24, and May 6, 2025.
Justice Maryann Anenih postponed the hearing after the prosecution’s first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, testified in court on Wednesday.
At the hearing, Prosecution Counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) informed the court that he had five witnesses ready to testify. However, the judge noted that only one witness could be heard due to other cases on her docket.
Defense counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) objected, arguing that the prosecution had not provided sworn statements from the second defendant to the defense team.
“The statements of the second defendant have not been served on us, which is a serious handicap. The prosecution needs to provide all statements made by the defendants,” Daudu argued.
Similarly, Counsel for the third defendant, Abubakar Aliyu (SAN), asked the court to order the prosecution to furnish all necessary documents, including forensic reports and recovered digital evidence related to the case.
Pinheiro, however, dismissed the defense’s arguments, insisting that all necessary documents were served on November 27, 2024.
“The constitutional provision they rely on does not require the prosecution to provide every document requested. The law only mandates that the prosecution share evidence relevant to the defense,” he stated.
The first witness, Fabian Nwora, told the court that in February 2023, he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning a property transaction involving Shehu Bello.
He testified that he sold a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to Shehu Bello, but the name on the sale agreement was Dr. Bello Ohiani. Later, Shehu Bello informed EFAB Property that the property was under EFCC investigation and requested a refund of ₦550 million.
Following EFCC directives, EFAB Property refunded the amount in two batches. However, Nwora stated that he never had direct dealings with Yahaya Bello and only appeared in court as a witness after being summoned in December 2024.
After hearing the witness, Justice Anenih adjourned the trial to April 3, April 24, and May 6, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
