N550 million in cash used to buy property linked to Yahaya Bello, Witness

A witness for the prosecution told the FCT High Court in Abuja on Tuesday how N550 million was changed to United States dollars and used to buy a property linked to Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State. This information came from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during the trial.

The 17th witness, Shehu Bello, said the property located at No 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama District, Abuja, was bought by Farouk Bello from Efab Estate. He added, "It was paid in USD in cash. I was paid a commission."

Shehu Bello, who is an estate agent and commodity trader, did not disclose how much commission he received. He also did not mention how Mr Farouk is related to Mr Bello, who recently became the Kogi Central senatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The EFCC has listed this property as one of the assets purchased with an alleged N110 billion that Yahaya Bello and his co-defendants are accused of diverting from Kogi State funds during his time in office. In September 2024, the EFCC charged Mr Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, with 16 counts of criminal breach of trust. All the accused have denied the allegations.

Mr Shehu, whose name appeared in earlier testimonies, told the court that he handled property purchases for Ali Bello, the former governor’s nephew and the chief of staff to the current governor, Usman Ododo. Under the questioning of EFCC lawyer Kayode Enitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the witness shared details about the buying of six properties, some of which are included in the EFCC charges against the defendants.

He mentioned buying a property for Ali at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, for N48 million. This property is listed in Count 6 of the EFCC indictment. Mr Shehu also sold another property at Plot 31, Guzape, Abuja, on behalf of Ali for N100 million. He explained that Ali initially bought this property from 'Alhaji Jimeta.'

Farouk bought another property at A02/176 Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse 1, Abuja, for N105 million from Mercelina Njoku, according to the witness. This property appears in Count 7 of the EFCC charges as well. Although Mr Shehu was not involved in the purchase of the property at Plot 1981, Dallas Hill, Maitama, he introduced Ali to the construction company, Metro Dec Construction Limited, from which it was bought.

"I made payments to the construction company on his behalf," the witness stated. He mentioned that he paid a total of N5.5 million, N9.8 million, N8 million, and $6,000 on Ali’s behalf, although the construction company received more money.

Mr Shehu also shared that Ali asked him to find a property where he could build a plaza. He found a property at Durban Street for N650 million from SFC Nigerian Limited. "The money was transferred," he said. He identified this property as No: 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse 2, Abuja, also known as No. 2 Durban Street, Abuja. This property is included in Count 10 of the EFCC indictment.

In March, the 11th prosecution witness, James Igbakuleh, explained how the property was sold to Mr Shehu. After Mr Shehu gave his evidence, Mr Bello’s lawyer, Paul Daudu SAN, asked for an adjournment. Mr Enitan opposed this request since no reason was provided. The trial judge supported the prosecution's view but allowed the adjournment to hear other matters.

The judge rescheduled the case to continue tomorrow (Wednesday). The 16th prosecution witness, Baba-Isah Baffa, also discussed the purchase of a shop at Sherif Plaza. While the plaza's location was not mentioned, the witness said that Ali showed interest in buying the shop, which was priced at N66 million.

Mr Baffa stated that Ali received a form and met the requirements for purchase, making payments in two parts: N40 million and N26 million. After this, Ali received an allocation letter and a payment receipt. During cross-examination, the witness said he did not know any of the defendants and that they were not involved in the purchase. However, he recognized the former governor as a public figure.

It is not yet clear how this property fits into the EFCC charges against the defendants. But as the trial continues, the anti-graft agency is expected to provide more details.