The trial involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello continued on Monday, with significant developments in the money laundering case being presented to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A key witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olusegun Joseph Adeleke, testified that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in any of the documents related to the purchase of a N550 million property in Maitama, Abuja, by Shehu Bello. Adeleke, who is the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, described his interactions with Shehu Bello during the property transaction but emphasized that neither Yahaya Bello nor his name featured in the documents, including the title deed.
Adeleke further explained that he was involved in three transactions with Shehu Bello, but he did not see Yahaya Bello during any of the processes, nor was Bello’s name mentioned in the transaction documents. Under cross-examination, Adeleke confirmed that his actions were based on instructions from his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, and not of his own initiative.
As the case proceeds, the defense has raised questions regarding the involvement of Yahaya Bello in the transactions. The prosecution is set to present additional witnesses, with a compliance officer from United Bank for Africa (UBA) providing further documentation in the case. The trial has been adjourned until March 6 and 7, 2025.
What do you think about the unfolding trial and the role of Yahaya Bello in this case? Do you feel the evidence presented so far strengthens or weakens the prosecution’s claims?
