The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, as the first prosecution witness testified regarding charges tied to the alleged diversion of over N110 billion from the Kogi State treasury.
The witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer with Efab Property Nigeria Limited, revealed details of a property deal involving a N550 million property at No 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja. EFCC alleges that Bello used Kogi State funds to purchase the property.
Fabian Nworah, during his testimony, outlined the circumstances surrounding the sale of the property, which was initially sold to Shehu Bello but listed under the name Bello Ohiani. Nworah confirmed that in 2023, following an EFCC investigation, Shehu Bello returned to Efab Properties and demanded a refund of the N550 million, which was subsequently refunded in two instalments to an EFCC-designated account.
While Nworah did not directly mention the former governor, the EFCC has charged Bello, along with two others, for allegedly diverting significant funds from Kogi State while he served as governor.
During the proceedings, tension mounted between the prosecution and defence over the availability of crucial documents. Defence lawyer Joseph Daudu, SAN, accused the EFCC of withholding important sworn statements, which he argued were vital for the defence’s case. The defence called for the release of statements and forensic reports related to digital evidence presented by the EFCC.
EFCC prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, rejected these claims, asserting that all necessary documents had been served on the defence by November 27. Pinheiro also accused the defence of trying to delay the trial through procedural objections.
Despite the dispute over documents, trial judge Maryanne Anenih allowed one witness, Nworah, to testify. After hearing the witness, the proceedings were postponed, with the court scheduling additional hearings for April 3, April 24, and May 6, 2025.
The EFCC has charged former Governor Bello and his co-defendants with 16 counts related to the alleged embezzlement of Kogi State funds, including accusations of buying properties in Abuja and Dubai. One of the key allegations is that Bello diverted N100 million in 2021 from the state treasury to acquire property at 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja.
