Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to March 6 and 7, 2025.
The case, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was postponed after the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, presented two witnesses, including one subpoenaed.
The first witness, Segun Adelakun, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testified that Yahaya Bello’s name was not linked to two properties in Maitama and Gwarinpa.
He recounted that in 2020, his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, introduced him to a man named Shehu Bello regarding the purchase of a property.
Adelakun confirmed meeting Shehu Bello three times: for introduction, payment, and the execution of legal documents for the property.
When questioned about another property on 5th Avenue, Gwarinpa, Adelakun stated it was purchased by Nuhu Mohammed for ₦70 million, paid via bank transfer.
However, he could not recall the specific bank used for the transaction.
During cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, questioned Segun Adelakun, the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, about his involvement in the transactions.
Adelakun confirmed that all his actions were based on instructions from his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora.
He also admitted that he did not personally initiate any discussions with Shehu Bello, nor did he witness Bello signing the transaction documents.
Furthermore, Adelakun stated that he never encountered the defendant, Yahaya Bello, during the transactions, and the defendant’s name did not appear on any of the related documents, which were in the possession of the EFCC.
The prosecution informed the court of another witness to be called on subpoena.
Although the defense counsel objected, citing being caught off guard, he clarified that he had no intention of delaying the trial.
The second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), presented herself with the subpoena, which the prosecution sought to admit as evidence.
The Defendant’s counsel had no objection, and it was marked “Exhibit 1”.
The witness read out the documents the subpoena asked for to include the statement of account of Kogi State Government House, from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024.
The statements of account of Maselina Njoku, from January 1 to December 31, 2022, were also admitted in evidence, including the account opening packages of American International School and statements of accounts, from September 1 to September 30, 2020.
Justice Emeka Nwite then adjourned to March 6 and 7, 2025 for continuation of trial.