The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday called its first witness in the N110.4 billion fraud trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Federal High Court.
Estate Developer Testifies on N550m Property Transaction
The first witness, Fabian Nwora, an estate developer and Chairman of Efab Property Nigeria Limited, testified about a property transaction involving N550m allegedly paid by Shehu Bello for a property in Maitama, Abuja in 2020.
Nwora revealed that his company sold the property to Shehu Bello, but the name on the sale agreement was Dr. Bello Ohianyi. In 2023, Shehu returned the property to Efab, claiming it was under EFCC investigation and demanded a refund.
According to Nwora: “The EFCC later instructed us to return the entire N550m to an EFCC account. We paid N400m first and later refunded the remaining N150m.”
Legal Battle Over Witness Testimony
Governor Yahaya Bello’s defence team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected to Nwora’s testimony, arguing that the prosecution failed to provide his witness statement on oath. They accused the EFCC of playing a “hide and seek” game.
However, Justice Maryanne Anenih overruled the objections and admitted the property sale agreement and other documents as exhibits in the case.
Next Court Hearing
The judge adjourned the trial to April 3, when further proceedings will continue.