Alleged ₦110 Billion Fraud: Court Overrules Yahaya Bello As EFCC Presents First Witness

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, faces ₦110 billion fraud charges as the EFCC presents its first witness in court. Read the full details of the corruption trial.

Introduction

The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged ₦110 billion fraud has taken a new turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first witness in court. Justice Maryann Anenih dismissed objections raised by Bello and his co-defendants, paving the way for the trial to proceed.

EFCC’s First Witness Testifies in Court

On Wednesday, the EFCC brought forward its first witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, to testify in the 16-count money laundering charge against the former governor.

Despite objections from the defense counsel, who argued that the prosecution had failed to provide all necessary evidence, Justice Anenih ruled that the trial should continue, citing the absence of a formal application to support the objection.

Property Sale and EFCC Investigation

During his testimony, Nwaora, the owner of EFAB Property, revealed details of a real estate transaction linked to the case. According to him, in 2020, his company sold a property at No. 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to Shehu Bello for ₦550 million.

However, in 2023, Shehu Bello returned all documents related to the property, informing the company that the EFCC had launched an investigation. Subsequently, Nwaora was summoned by the anti-graft agency and was instructed to refund the money to an account designated by the EFCC.

Allegations Against Yahaya Bello and Co-Defendants

Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is standing trial alongside two government officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The charge sheet (CR/7781) accuses them of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illegal acquisition of properties.

List of Allegedly Illicit Properties

The EFCC alleges that the former governor diverted state funds to acquire multiple high-value properties, including:

No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja – ₦950 million
No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja – ₦100 million
No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja – ₦920 million
Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – ₦170 million
Hotel Apartment, Burj Khalifa, Dubai – 5,698,888 Dirhams
Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – ₦60 million
No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – ₦310.4 million

Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Bello and his associates transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States. They are also accused of illegally acquiring ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

Following his arraignment, Yahaya Bello was remanded in Kuje Prison on December 10, 2024. However, while his co-defendants were granted bail earlier, he was later admitted to bail under the following conditions:

Bail sum of ₦500 million
Provision of three sureties with assets of equal value

The case has been adjourned until April 3, 2025, for further hearings.

Conclusion

The EFCC’s case against Yahaya Bello is one of Nigeria’s most significant corruption trials in recent times. As proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the court’s next decision regarding the former governor’s fate.