A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has testified in court that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, was not named in any documents related to the purchase of a N550 million property in Maitama, Abuja.
The witness, Olusegun Joseph Adeleke, who serves as the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, made this statement while testifying before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a money laundering case against Bello.
According to Adeleke, the property in question was purchased by one Shehu Bello, whose name appeared on all relevant transaction documents, including the title deed. He stated that Bello was not involved in any meetings or payment transactions regarding the property.
Recounting events from 2020, Adeleke said he was introduced to Shehu Bello by EFAB Properties Chairman, Fabian Nwora, who informed him of the planned purchase. He testified that he met Shehu Bello three times—once for introduction, once for payment, and once for signing legal documents.
The witness further explained that Shehu Bello later requested a refund after discovering the property was under EFCC investigation.
During cross-examination, Yahaya Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Bodunde Daudu, SAN, pressed Adeleke on whether he had ever met the former governor in connection with the transaction. Adeleke confirmed that he had never seen Bello during the process and that his name did not appear in any official paperwork.
The court also heard testimony from a second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), who presented financial records related to the case.
The trial has been adjourned uuntil March 6 and 7 for continuation.
