A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the N80.2 billion fraud case to April 3.

This follows the start of witness testimony by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ,EFCC.

Bello is facing 19 charges, including money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the EFCC called its first witness, Fabian Nwora, a property developer and chairman of Efab Properties Nigeria Limited.

Nwora testified that in 2020, his company sold a property in Maitama, Abuja, to a man named Shehu Bello for N550 million.

However, Nwora later discovered that the sale agreement listed the buyer as Dr. Bello Ohianyi.

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In 2023, Shehu Bello returned to Efab Properties, claiming the property was under EFCC investigation and demanded a refund.

Nwora explained that the EFCC directed them to return the N550 million, which was done in two installments N400 million first, followed by N150 million.

Following Nwora’s testimony, Justice Maryanne Anenih admitted the sale agreement and deed of assignment as exhibits.

She then adjourned the trial to April 3, April 24, and May 6 for further proceedings.

Earlier, the defense team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected to the testimony, arguing that the prosecution had failed to serve witness statements.

However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) dismissed the objection, calling it a delay tactic. Despite the protests, Justice Anenih ruled that the trial should continue.

Crediblenewsng.com