An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had no involvement in the acquisition of five properties being examined in his ongoing money laundering case.
Witness Testimony Under Cross-Examination
The 17th prosecution witness, Shehu Bala, a commodity trader, made the disclosure while being cross-examined by the defense counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN). Bala stated that the second defendant, Umar Shuaib Oricha, also did not participate in the property transactions. He identified one Dr. Farouk Bello as the agent who handled the purchases.
Bala told the court that he met Ali Bello about 14 years ago through business dealings, specifically in the buying and selling of agricultural commodities. He clarified that he is not related to Ali Bello or Farouk Bello and confirmed he is not from Kogi State.
“I knew Ali Bello in the course of my business, which is commodity trading. We have done quite a few businesses, including buying grains from the North and selling them,” the witness said.
Property Documents Returned
The witness further informed the court that title documents for some of the properties, including deeds of assignment and powers of attorney, were returned to Efab Estate by Farouk Bello. He added that the documents were later brought back to him by an individual seeking to sell the property, though he could not confirm if that person was Farouk Bello’s son.
Second Witness Testifies on Consultancy Fees
The 18th prosecution witness, Philip Kuma, a consultant with the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue, testified that funds paid into his company’s account represented legitimate commissions for services rendered to the revenue agency. Kuma, an IT expert and owner of Bespoke Business Solutions and Bespoke Global Concept, said his company was engaged as lead consultant by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS).
Under examination by EFCC lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Kuma disclosed that he paid between 50 and 60 percent of the commissions his company earned from KSIRS to some officials of the agency.
The trial continues before Justice Maryanne Anineh.
