YAHAYA BELLO NOT LINKED TO EFAB PROPERTY PAYMENT - WITNESS TELLS COURT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Second Prosecution Witness (PW2) in the ongoing alleged money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that neither the ex-governor nor his co-defendants made any payments for a property in question at Efab Property Limited.

The witness, Segun Adeleke, who is a manager at Efab Property, testified that he had no dealings with Bello or the two other defendants, Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, during the transaction.

Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adeleke maintained that he neither knew the three defendants nor saw their names on any transaction document linked to the property.

This testimony aligns with that of the First Prosecution Witness (PW1), Fabian Nwora, who earlier told the court that none of the defendants paid money into Efab’s account. Nwora, however, acknowledged knowing Bello, but emphasized that his name did not appear in any documents related to the disputed transaction.

Nwora further explained that while he initiated the property negotiation, it was completed by Adeleke. He recalled being invited to the EFCC in February 2023 over a transaction involving one Shehu Bello, who reportedly initiated the property purchase at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja.

PW2 Adeleke confirmed that in 2020, he was briefed by Nwora to handle the transaction with Shehu Bello, who eventually paid N500 million for the property. However, he added that Shehu later returned the agreement, citing an EFCC investigation, and withdrew his interest in the deal.

During the proceedings, the prosecution also raised issues regarding documents issued to one Nuhu Muhammed in connection with another property in Gwarinpa. Adeleke confirmed that documents were given to Muhammed after his purchase of a bungalow unit.

Defence Counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), objected to the admissibility of the documents, arguing that there was no proper evidentiary foundation laid by the witness. The judge, however, overruled the objection.

Under cross-examination, Adeleke admitted to giving similar testimony before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court and acknowledged that he joined the transaction midway.

Daudu, SAN, pointed out inconsistencies in Adeleke’s testimonies, stating that the witness previously said the payment was made in a single tranche, but now claimed it was done in two tranches. Adeleke insisted it was two tranches and said he had receipts, though he admitted he did not know Nuhu Muhammed personally.

Also testifying under subpoena, Mrs. Williams Abimbola tendered the statement of account of the Kogi State Government House, along with a Certificate of Identification. Defence counsels noted they would address the document at the appropriate time during the trial.

Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case to October 8, 9 and November 12, 13, 2025, for continuation of hearing.