By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, continued on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where witnesses gave conflicting testimonies about financial transactions, company ownership, and property deals, while Justice Emeka Nwite presided over proceedings and adjourned the case to May 7 for continuation.
Witness Disowns Earlier Testimony
During cross-examination, defence counsel Joseph Daudu challenged PW-12, Jamilu Abdullahi, over inconsistencies in his earlier testimony before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
Abdullahi admitted he could not remember stating that he did not know the source of funds used for school fees payments. Although he confirmed seeing the statement, he insisted the testimony happened long ago.
Questions Over Company Documents
The defence presented account opening documents for E-Traders International Limited (Exhibit 33(6)). Abdullahi confirmed ownership and said he was the sole signatory.
Similarly, he acknowledged owning Kumfayakum Global Limited when shown Exhibit 37.
However, he raised doubts about the authenticity of parts of the documents. He said some handwritten sections did not match his handwriting. He added that he needed verification from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Dispute Over Bureau de Change (BDC) Claims
The defence pressed Abdullahi to show where he declared operating a Bureau de Change business in the documents.
He failed to point to any section confirming that claim. He also admitted he could not recall informing the bank about any BDC operations.
Although he insisted he held a BDC licence, he could not remember when authorities issued it. He also confirmed the licence was not before the court.
Furthermore, Abdullahi admitted his statement to the EFCC did not mention any licensed BDC operation.
Defence Challenges Financial Capacity
Daudu argued that Abdullahi lacked the legal capacity to handle foreign currency transactions.
He suggested the witness outsourced such transactions to associates. Abdullahi denied wrongdoing and said he did so due to high transaction volumes.
He clarified that all accounts presented in court were naira-denominated, including his personal and company accounts.
EFCC Witness Speaks on Property Deals
Another witness, Shehu Bello (PW-14), told the court he worked as a real estate agent and commodity trader.
He said the EFCC invited him in 2023 regarding Ali Bello, whom he described as a friend and business associate.
He confirmed purchasing a property at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, before selling it to Ali Bello.
Additionally, he revealed that Farouk Bello asked him to source properties in Wuse Zone 4 and Maitama. He said Chief Nwora of Efab Properties owned one of the properties.
Property Transaction Details in Wuse II
Earlier, PW-13, Baba Bappa, testified about a property at Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
He explained that Ali Bello showed interest in a shop at the plaza known as Citi Scape Sharriff Plaza.
According to him, Ali Bello paid ₦40 million as a deposit and later completed payment with ₦26 million, including agency fees.
He added that the property managers issued a receipt and allocated Shop B13 to the buyer.
Witness Denies Link to Yahaya Bello
Despite detailing the transaction, Bappa stated he had no dealings with former governor Yahaya Bello.
He explained that he only knew Bello as a public figure and not in connection with the property.
Court Adjourns Proceedings
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to May 7 for the continuation of PW-14’s testimony.
