By Kayode Lawal
A witness in the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Monday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the ex-governor was not involved in the purchase of a N550 million property in Maitama, Abuja, and that his name did not appear in any transaction documents.
Olusegun Joseph Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, stated that the deal was handled by one Shehu Bello, who initiated and completed the purchase without any reference to Yahaya Bello. He made this assertion while being led in evidence by EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.
Narrating the events leading to the transaction, Adeleke said that in 2020, the Chairman of EFAB Properties, Chief Fabian Nwora, introduced him to Shehu Bello, a prospective buyer for the property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama.
“We had a discussion concerning the purchase of the property in old me that the young man would be coming back to make payment for the property at an agreed price of N550 million,” he said.
Adeleke explained that he met Shehu Bello three times—first for introduction, then for payment, and finally when legal documents were executed. He added that after the completion of the transaction, Shehu Bello later returned to request a refund upon discovering that the property was under EFCC investigation.
Under cross-examination by Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Bodunde Daudu SAN, Adeleke confirmed that at no point during the transaction did he see the former governor. He also admitted that Bello’s name did not appear on any official documents related to the sale, including the title deed.
Daudu pressed further, asking if Adeleke acted solely based on instructions from his chairman, to which he responded, “Yes.” When asked if he had personally initiated discussions with Shehu Bello, he replied, “No.”
The defense lawyer also inquired whether Shehu Bello had signed transaction documents in Adeleke’s presence. “He did not, my Lord,” Adeleke stated.
The EFCC then presented another witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa, UBA, . Abimbola, who appeared with a subpoena, tendered financial documents, including the statement of account for the Kogi State Government House from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024.
Other financial records admitted in evidence included account statements of Maselina Njoku for 2022, as well as account opening details and transaction records of the American International School for September 2020.
The defense team initially objected to the sudden introduction of the second witness, stating that they were caught by surprise. However, they chose not to stall the proceedings and allowed the evidence submission to proceed.
With additional witnesses expected to testify, the case has been adjourned to March 6 and 7 for the continuation of the trial. The EFCC is expected to present more evidence linking the former governor to the allegations.
Crediblenewsng.com
