The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday called its first witness in the 16-count money laundering case against Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State.

The witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, took the stand after Justice Maryann Anenih overruled an objection raised by Bello and his co-defendants, who argued that the EFCC had not provided them with all the necessary evidence for their defense. However, the judge noted that there was no formal application supporting their claim and allowed the trial to proceed.

In his testimony, Nwaora, owner of EFAB Property, detailed how his company sold a property at No. 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to one Shehu Bello in 2020 for N550 million. He further explained that in 2023, Bello returned the property’s documents, informing him that the EFCC was investigating the transaction. According to the witness, he was later summoned by the EFCC and instructed to refund the money into an account designated by the anti-graft agency.

Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the case to April 3 for further hearing.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is facing trial for his alleged involvement in a N110 billion fraud case. He is being prosecuted alongside two Kogi State Government officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The charges against them, filed under case number CR/7781, include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

The EFCC alleges that Bello used state funds to acquire multiple properties, including:

• No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million)
• No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million)
• No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million)
• Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million)
• A hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5,698,888)
• Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million)
• No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million)

Additionally, the EFCC accuses the defendants of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and illegally possessing N677.8 million linked to Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

On December 10, 2024, the court ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje Prison, although his co-defendants were granted bail. He was later granted bail himself in the sum of N500 million with three sureties of equal value.

The case continues on April 3.

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