The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on charges of N80.2 billion fraud, has been adjourned until April 3rd by a Federal High Court in Abuja. This decision followed the commencement of witness testimony presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello is facing a 19-count charge encompassing allegations of money laundering, breach of trust during his governorship, and misappropriation of public funds. At Wednesday’s hearing, the EFCC called its first witness, Fabian Nwora, a property developer and chairman of Efab Properties Nigeria Limited. Nwora testified that in 2020, his company sold a property in Maitama, Abuja, to one Shehu Bello for N550 million. He later discovered the name on the sale agreement was Dr. Bello Ohianyi.
Nwora further explained that in 2023, Shehu Bello returned to Efab Properties, stating the property was under EFCC investigation and requesting a refund. Following this, “The EFCC directed us to refund the N550 million to a designated account, which we did in two installments—N400 million first, followed by N150 million,” Nwora testified. After his testimony, Justice Maryanne Anenih admitted the sale agreement and deed of assignment as exhibits and adjourned the trial to April 3rd, April 24th, and May 6th for continuation. Earlier in the proceedings, the defense team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected to the testimony, claiming the prosecution failed to provide them with witness statements. EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), dismissed these objections as a delaying tactic. Despite the defense protests, Justice Anenih ruled that the trial would proceed.
