The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, January 29, commenced its case against the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by calling its first witness in the ongoing 16-count money laundering trial.
Court overrules, allows EFCC witness to testify
The prosecution’s first witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, took the stand to present his evidence-in-chief, Leadership reported.
This development followed a ruling by Justice Maryann Anenih, who overruled an objection raised by Bello and his co-defendants against the commencement of the trial.
The former governor is facing trial alongside two officials of the Kogi state Government, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, Vanguard reported.
The charge, marked CR/7781, includes allegations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
EFCC details alleged fraudulent transactions
According to the EFCC, Bello misused state funds to acquire high-value properties in Nigeria and abroad.
Some of the alleged acquisitions include:
No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, 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
Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N60 million
No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N310.4 million
The EFCC also alleged that Bello transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessed unlawfully obtained property, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The court had earlier, on December 10, 2024, remanded Bello in Kuje Prison while granting bail to his co-defendants.
However, he was later granted bail under stringent conditions, including a sum of N500 million and three sureties in like sum.
EFCC rows to pursue justice
Speaking after the court’s decision, an EFCC official reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability.
“This trial is a crucial step toward holding public officials accountable for financial misconduct. We will present all necessary evidence to support our case,” the official stated.
As the case progresses, legal experts anticipate a contentious battle between the EFCC and the defence, with both sides preparing for further legal arguments in the coming sessions.
Yahaya Bello meets Wike
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi state, paid a courtesy visit to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike at his Abuja residence on Thursday, January 23.
Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi, his successor and current governor, accompanied the embattled former governor.
