EFCC Presents Evidence in Case Against Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello for Money Laundering
Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented significant evidence in its ongoing case against former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in a bid to establish a money laundering charge. The EFCC submitted a series of exhibits before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, including critical bank statements.
Among the documents tendered were the statement of account for the Kogi State Government House, spanning from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024. This evidence was introduced by Mrs. Williams Abimbola, a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA). She was the second prosecution witness in the matter (PW-2). Abimbola confirmed that the bank was served with a subpoena to produce the account details in court. The defense team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) J.B. Daudu, did not object, and both the statement of account and the account opening package were duly admitted into evidence.
The EFCC also tendered additional documents, including a statement of account belonging to one Maselina Njoku, as well as the statement of account and account opening package of the American International School. These documents pertain to financial transactions for the years 2022 and 2020, respectively.
Witness Testimonies and Property Transactions
The first prosecution witness, Mr. Segun Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testified about property transactions involving the defendant. Adeleke explained that the company handled the sale of high-value properties in Abuja, including a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama.
Adeleke’s testimony revealed that in 2020, a young man named Shehu Bello came to make a payment of N550 million for the Maitama property, using US dollars. After confirming the exchange rate, the payment was processed. Adeleke also testified about another property transaction at House 12, 59 Crescent, 5th Avenue, Gwarimpa, which was purchased by Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million via a bank transfer.
Allegations Against Yahaya Bello
The EFCC has accused the former governor of committing multiple financial crimes, including laundering proceeds from his time in office. Specifically, it is alleged that Bello used five proxies to acquire 13 high-value properties in Abuja and Dubai, including some in highbrow areas like Maitama.
The EFCC also claims that Bello attempted to conceal over N3 billion by instructing his proxies to keep the funds for him. Moreover, it is alleged that the former governor wired over $700,000 to an account in the United States, in violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
The former governor is facing 19 counts of fraud, with the EFCC accusing him of committing public breach of trust. The prosecution contends that the properties were acquired with illicit funds and seeks to hold Bello accountable for his actions under Nigerian anti-money laundering laws.
Legal Proceedings
Despite the grave charges, the former governor has pleaded not guilty to the accusations and was granted bail by the court. Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned the case until March 6 and 7, 2025, to allow the second prosecution witness to conclude her testimony.
The trial continues as the EFCC seeks to prove its case against Yahaya Bello, emphasizing that the alleged illicit activities occurred during his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024.
