Yahaya Bello Trial: Court hears details of N550m cash property deal in Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday heard fresh details in the ongoing alleged N80.2 billion money laundering trial involving Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State.

This was as a prosecution witness told the court that a Maitama property was acquired for N550 million through cash payments made in United States dollars.

Shehu Bello, the witness, who appeared before Emeka Nwite (Justice) as Prosecution Witness 14 (PW14), testified that the property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close was acquired on behalf of his client, Faruk Bello.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello over an alleged money laundering case involving N80,246,470,088.88.

Led in evidence by Olukayode Enitan, prosecution counsel, the witness, who described himself as a real estate agent and commodity trader, told the court that the transaction was concluded with cash payments made in foreign currency.

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“We agreed N550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” he said.

The witness further disclosed that he facilitated the purchase of another property on Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, for the same client at the cost of N105 million.

“Unlike the Maitama transaction, he said payment for the Wuse property was made through a bank transfer directly to the seller”, he added.

During his testimony, Shehu Bello also acknowledged having prior business relationships with Ali Bello, whom he described as a friend and business associate.

“Ali Bello is my friend. We have done some businesses together in the past, commodity and property business,” he told the court.

The witness also narrated how he sold his personal property located at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for N68 million after initially purchasing it for N63 million.

Read also: No power of attorney for Yahaya Bello on flagged property, EFCC witness says

He added that he also helped source a buyer for another Guzape property belonging to Ali Bello.

Drama briefly emerged during proceedings when the prosecution sought to tender an extra-judicial statement made by the witness to the EFCC.

However, Joseph Daudu (SAN),
defence counsel, objected to its admissibility, arguing that the statement was cautionary in nature.

To avoid delays in the trial, the prosecution later withdrew the document and proceeded with the hearing.

Baba Isa Usman Baffa, another prosecution witness, an estate surveyor and facility manager, testified over a separate property transaction involving Cityscape Shariff Plaza.

Baffa, who testified as PW13, informed the court that Ali Bello purchased a shop within the plaza.

“He paid an initial deposit of ₦40 million and later paid the balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees. A receipt was issued to him, and he was allocated Shop B13,” the witness said.

He added that the payments were made into the account of Shariff Plaza Management and Facility Company. Under cross-examination, Baffa confirmed that the buyer eventually took possession of the property.

Another witness, PW12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, was also cross-examined over his earlier testimony before another court concerning a $300,000 transaction allegedly used for payment of school fees to the American International School.

During questioning, Abdullahi appeared reluctant to provide a straight yes-or-no response when asked whether he still stood by his earlier testimony.

“My Lord, the answer is a little more than yes or no. When I explain, I will then answer,” he said.

Read also: Money laundering trial: Witness says Yahaya Bello not linked to documents

The prosecution, represented by lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the defence’s insistence on a direct answer, arguing that the witness should be allowed to fully explain his position.

“He cannot be confined there’s no law that compels him to answer a question. A witness can keep mute. Muteness is an answer,” Pinheiro argued before the court.

Abdullahi later told the court that he could not fully recollect the details of the transaction because “it has been a long time.”

He, however, confirmed that E-traders belonged to him and denied allegations that he feared possible EFCC prosecution for operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change business.

“I am a licensed Bureau de Change operator,” he stated.

Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.