A prosecution witness on Tuesday told the FCT High Court in Abuja how N550 million, converted to United States dollars, was paid in cash for a property the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) linked to the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Witness Testimony on Property Purchase
EFCC’s 17th witness, Shehu Bello, an estate agent and commodity trader, said the property at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama District, Abuja, “was bought by Farouk Bello from Efab Estate. It was paid in USD in cash. I was paid a commission.” He did not disclose the commission amount or Farouk Bello’s connection to Yahaya Bello, who recently emerged as the Kogi Central senatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
EFCC Charges and Allegations
The EFCC listed the property as one purchased with proceeds from the alleged N110 billion fraud. In September 2024, the EFCC accused Yahaya Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu of 16 counts of criminal breach of trust. All defendants denied the allegations.
Details of Property Transactions
Shehu Bello, whose name appeared in earlier testimonies, stated that he handled property purchases for Ali Bello, the former governor’s nephew and chief of staff to Governor Usman Ododo. Led by EFCC lawyer Kayode Enitan (SAN), the witness detailed six property transactions.
- Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja: Purchased for N48 million (appears in Count 6).
- Plot 31, Guzape, Abuja: Sold on behalf of Ali for N100 million, originally bought from “Alhaji Jimeta.”
- A02/176 Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse 1, Abuja: Bought by Farouk Bello for N105 million from Mercelina Njoku (Count 7).
- Plot 1981, Dallas Hill, Maitama: Introduced Ali to Metro Dec Construction Limited; payments of N5.5 million, N9.8 million, N8 million, and $6,000 made on Ali’s behalf.
- No. 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse 2 (No. 2 Durban Street): Purchased for N650 million from SFC Nigerian Limited via transfer (Count 10).
Shehu also noted that Ali asked for a property to build a plaza, which was obtained at Durban Street.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
After Shehu’s testimony, Yahaya Bello’s lawyer, Paul Daudu (SAN), requested an adjournment. EFCC lawyer Kayode Enitan opposed it, but the trial judge granted it to allow other matters, adjourning to Wednesday.
Additional Witness: Shopping Plaza Purchase
The 16th prosecution witness, Baba-Isah Baffa, narrated how Ali Bello bought a shop at Sherif Plaza for N66 million. Ali paid in two tranches (N40 million and N26 million) and received an allocation letter. Baffa said he did not know any defendants and only knew Yahaya Bello as a public figure.
The trial continues, with the EFCC expected to clarify how this property relates to the charges.
