A witness in Yahaya Bello’s ongoing money laundering trial testified that Bello’s name is absent from property documents.
Segun Joseph Adeleke, EFAB Properties Limited’s general manager, made this statement at Abuja’s Federal High Court on Monday.
Adeleke confirmed that the former governor’s name was not listed on the two properties examined during proceedings.
He added that he never met Bello throughout the entire transaction process involving the properties in question.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initiated the case, now adjourned to March 6 and 7, 2025.
Prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called two witnesses, including one appearing under subpoena for testimony.
Adeleke discussed two properties—one on Ikogosi Road, Maitama, and another located on 5th Avenue, Gwarinpa.
He explained that, in 2020, his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, introduced him to Shehu Bello regarding a property purchase.
“Shehu Bello discussed buying the property, agreeing to pay N550 million,” Adeleke informed the court during his testimony.
Adeleke confirmed meeting Shehu Bello three times: once for introduction, then for payment, and finally for documentation.
Regarding the Gwarinpa property, Adeleke said Nuhu Mohammed purchased it for N70 million via a bank transfer.
However, Adeleke could not recall the specific bank used to complete the N70 million payment transaction.
Under cross-examination, defense counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, asked if Adeleke followed only his chairman’s instructions.
“Yes,” Adeleke affirmed, adding that he never initiated independent discussions with Shehu Bello during the transactions.
He also clarified that he did not witness Shehu Bello signing any property documents during their meetings.
“Did you see the defendant at any time during this transaction?” Daudu asked, to which Adeleke replied, “No.”
The defense further inquired if Bello’s name appeared on any property documents, and Adeleke answered, “No.”
The prosecution then presented Williams Abimbola, UBA’s compliance officer, as the second witness in the trial.
Abimbola submitted a subpoena, which Justice Emeka Nwite admitted into evidence and labeled “Exhibit 1.”
She read UBA’s financial records, including Kogi State Government House’s accounts from January 2016 to January 2024.
Other financial statements included Maselina Njoku’s 2022 records and American International School’s September 2020 account transactions.
Following the testimonies, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned proceedings to March 6 and 7, 2025, for continuation.
