School Account Taken as Evidence Against Bello in Fraud Trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced its case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello by presenting its first round of witnesses before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. 

Bello is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering totalling N80.2 billion, in violation of Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

The prosecution’s first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testified under examination by EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. Adeleke confirmed the sale of a property at House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, to Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million, paid via bank transfer. However, he admitted to being unable to trace the source of the funds. 

Further testimony revealed that EFAB Properties received N550 million for another transaction, processed under standard company procedures. Adeleke also detailed property acquisitions, including one by Shehu Bello, but could not confirm the dollar equivalent of the transaction. 

Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, Adeleke stated that he acted on instructions from his company’s Chairman and had no direct dealings with Bello. He also noted that Bello’s name did not appear on any title documents related to the transactions. 

The second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified that he received a subpoena from the EFCC. The court admitted bank statements and account opening documents for: 

Kogi State Government House Account No. 1003889575 (January 1, 2016 – January 31, 2024) – Exhibits 2P1 to P61 and American International School, Abuja, Account No. 1000684346 (September 1–30, 2020) – Exhibits 521-5277 and 621-622. 

After the exhibit presentation, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned proceedings to March 6 and 7, 2025, for further hearings. 

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is accused of laundering public funds through various accounts and properties. His trial is closely watched as part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes. If convicted, he faces significant legal consequences under the Money Laundering Act.