Witness Tells Court N550m Converted to Dollars Was Used to Acquire Property Linked to Yahaya Bello

A prosecution witness in the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that a property located in Maitama was purchased for ₦550 million, with the payment allegedly made in United States dollars.

The witness, Shehu Bello, a real estate agent and commodity trader, gave the testimony while appearing before Justice Emeka Nwite as the 14th prosecution witness in the case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency is prosecuting the former governor on allegations bordering on money laundering and the alleged diversion of public funds.

According to the witness, the property situated at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, Abuja, was sold for an agreed sum of ₦550 million. He told the court that although the value of the transaction was calculated in naira, the payment was made entirely in cash using U.S. dollars. He further stated that his commission on the transaction was also paid in cash.

Shehu Bello explained that he handled the transaction on behalf of his client, identified as Faruk Bello. He also disclosed that he assisted the same client in purchasing another property in Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, valued at ₦105 million, noting that the latter transaction was completed through a bank transfer rather than cash.

During his testimony, the witness acknowledged having previous business relationships with Ali Bello, a nephew of the former governor and current Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. He told the court that they had collaborated on commodity and property transactions in the past.

The prosecution maintains that the case forms part of a broader investigation into the alleged diversion and laundering of billions of naira during Yahaya Bello’s tenure as governor. Bello has denied all allegations against him and has continued to challenge the charges in court.

Proceedings also featured legal arguments over the admissibility of certain statements made by the witness to the EFCC. However, the prosecution later withdrew the disputed document in order to avoid delays and continue with the trial. The matter was subsequently adjourned for further hearing.

The trial remains one of several ongoing legal proceedings involving allegations of financial misconduct against the former governor and some of his associates, with additional witnesses expected to testify as the case progresses.