Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello, to March 6 and 7, 2025, for continuation of the trial.
The adjournment followed the testimony of two witnesses presented by the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. One of the witnesses, Segun Adelakun, the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testified that he had no record of the former governor’s name appearing on any of two properties located in Maitama and Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Adelakun explained that in 2020, he was introduced to a man named Shehu Bello, who discussed the purchase of the properties with him. He confirmed that he had seen Shehu Bello on three occasions: once for the introduction, once for payment, and once more when a legal document related to the property transaction was presented.
When the prosecution asked about a third property in Gwarinpa, Adelakun identified it as one purchased by a man named Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million, paid via bank transfer. However, he was unable to recall which bank handled the transfer.
During cross-examination, the defense attorney, Joseph Daudu, sought to clarify the extent of Adelakun’s involvement in the transactions. Adelakun confirmed that his actions were based on the instructions of his chairman, Fabian Nwora, and that he did not have direct discussions with Shehu Bello or see Yahaya Bello throughout the process. He also stated that the defendant’s name did not appear on any of the documents related to the transactions, which are currently in the possession of the EFCC.
The prosecution then called a second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA). Abimbola presented documents requested by subpoena, including the statement of account for the Kogi State Government House from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024, as well as other relevant account statements. The defense raised no objection to the presentation of these documents, which were admitted into evidence.
Justice Nwite has set the next hearing for March 6 and 7, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
