YAHAYA BELLO TRIAL: WITNESS DETAILS N650M ABUJA PROPERTY SALE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The trial of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, continued on Monday, March 9, 2026, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. The 11th Prosecution Witness (PW11), James Bem Igbakymeh, recounted how a man identified as Shehu Bello purchased a property in Wuse II, Abuja for ₦650 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello on 19-count charges related to alleged money laundering totaling ₦80.2 billion.

Igbakymeh, a lawyer, told the court that in October 2021, he was instructed by his client to sell the property at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja. He placed a banner to attract buyers, after which Shehu Bello contacted him to negotiate the sale.

“He inquired about my office and came to meet me to negotiate for the purchase of the property,” the witness said.

According to Igbakymeh, the ₦650 million payment was made into three designated accounts, SFC Foods Limited (Polaris Bank), JIT Agric Limited (Polaris Bank), and SFC Foods Limited (Heritage Bank) — through various bureau de change operators before the property documents were handed over.

The witness also confirmed that EFCC investigators later invited him to provide a statement and submit transaction documents. The court admitted the Offer Letter and Deed of Assignment as Exhibits 44 and 45, respectively.

Igbakymeh noted a discrepancy in the Deed of Assignment: while the assignee was listed as Ali Bello, Shehu Bello had attended negotiations alongside Ali Bello.

“During the course of the transaction, Shehu Bello came to my office with Ali Bello on two occasions during the negotiations,” he said.

The prosecution then called PW12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a bureau de change operator. Abdullahi, owner of Kunfayakun Global Limited, E-Traders International Limited, and De-Remita International Limited, testified that he executed foreign exchange transactions for Abba Adaudu, converting deposits totaling hundreds of millions of naira into dollars. He confirmed the deposits came from companies linked to Adaudu and sometimes from cash payments. Abdullahi’s testimony was stood down due to fasting and will continue on a later date.

Earlier, Justice Nwite admitted documents relating to the sale of a separate Plot 1160, Gwarimpa II, Abuja, as Exhibits 42 and 43, noting that their purpose was to show the existence of a transaction. PW10, Mahmoud Abdulaziz, an accountant with Dantata and Sawoe Construction Limited, explained that Azba Real Estate Limited executed the Deed of Assignment with authorisation from his company.

The court also heard arguments on a prosecution motion seeking to set aside Bello’s earlier travel permission, citing fresh developments and security concerns. Defence counsel argued Bello’s bail status allowed him to travel and raised complications with an Interpol Red Notice.

Justice Nwite adjourned the trial to April 22, 23, 24, 2026, and May 6, 7, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.