The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud to July 8, October 8, 9, and November 12 and 13.
Justice Maryanne Anenih, who presided over the case on Wednesday, adjourned proceedings after the first prosecution witness, Fabian Nwora, concluded his testimony. Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering, brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges are said to contravene Sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and are punishable under Section 312 of the same law.
Nwora, chairman of EFAB Property Limited, told the court that initial negotiations for a Maitama property were initiated by him but concluded by Segun Adeleke, the second prosecution witness. He confirmed he was invited to the EFCC in February 2023 in relation to a transaction involving Shehu Bello and the said property.
Testifying on Wednesday, Adeleke, under cross-examination by EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, said negotiations began in 2020 and a ₦500 million payment was made for the property. He said Yahaya Bello later returned the agreement, stating he was no longer interested due to the EFCC investigation.
Adeleke also confirmed that documents were issued to one Nuhu Muhammed for a unit of a detached bungalow purchased from EFAB in Gwarinpa.
Counsel to one of the defendants, Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised an objection to the admissibility of the documents, arguing that proper foundation had not been laid. The objection was overruled by the court.
Justice Anenih adjourned the matter for continuation of trial.
