The Federal High Court in Abuja resumed the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Monday over alleged N80.2 billion fraud, with the prosecution presenting fresh witnesses and financial documents as evidence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) submitted account statements linked to the Kogi State Government House and the American International School, Abuja, where Bello’s children are enrolled.
The agency had previously alleged that Bello paid $760,000 in school fees for his children shortly before leaving office, an amount that was later refunded during investigations.
A compliance officer from United Bank for Africa (UBA), Williams Abimbola, testified as the second prosecution witness, submitting financial records covering transactions from January 2016 to January 2024. The court admitted these documents as evidence.
Additionally, Segun Adeleke, General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, testified about real estate acquisitions linked to Bello’s associates. He revealed that a property in Maitama, Abuja, was purchased in 2020 for N550 million by Shehu Bello, who made payment in US dollars.
Another property in Gwarinpa was acquired for N70 million via bank transfer by Nuhu Mohammed. However, Adeleke clarified that Yahaya Bello’s name was absent from transaction records, and he had no personal dealings with the former governor.
Despite an objection from the defence, the court ruled in favour of hearing Adeleke’s testimony. The trial is set to continue on March 6 and 7, 2025.
