The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that it has prepared 28 additional witnesses to testify against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in his ongoing money laundering trial.
The EFCC alleges that Bello, along with his associates, embezzled over ₦80 billion during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
At a recent court session, EFCC lead counsel Prof. Kemi Pinheiro SAN disclosed that 10 of these witnesses would be subpoenaed to testify and present documentary evidence.
This development comes as the prosecution continues to build its case against Yahaya Bello, who faces 19 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
The trial has already seen testimonies from various witnesses, including Segun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of Efab Properties Limited.
Adeleke testified that Bello’s name did not appear on property documents related to a ₦550 million property transaction in Maitama, Abuja, involving an individual named Shehu Bello.
Also, the EFCC has presented documents from the American International School, Abuja, which it claims were used to funnel funds from the Kogi State government for the benefit of Yahaya Bello’s family.
The defence has contested the admissibility of some evidence and the credibility of certain witnesses. The court has adjourned the case to allow further cross-examination of witnesses and the presentation of additional evidence against Yahaya Bello. As the trial progresses, the EFCC aims to substantiate its allegations with the testimonies of the remaining 28 witnesses, while the defence continues to challenge the evidence presented.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
