A lawyer testified on Monday regarding a property transaction worth N650 million, linked to Shehu Bello, during the trial of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
James Bem Igbakymeh appeared before Judge Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, serving as the eleventh witness for the prosecution.
In his testimony, Mr. Igbakymeh disclosed that in October 2021, he received instructions from his client to sell a property situated at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja.
To attract potential buyers, he placed a banner on the property, which led to Shehu Bello contacting him for negotiations.
The lawyer recounted that after discussions, an agreement was reached at a price of N650 million. The payment was made in installments into three designated bank accounts as specified by his client.
He identified these accounts as belonging to SFC Foods Limited in Polaris Bank, JIT Agric Limited in Polaris Bank, and SFC Foods Limited in Heritage Bank.
The prosecution contends that these funds are connected to unlawful activities associated with former Governor Bello; however, the witness did not mention Bello's name during the transaction.
Yahaya Bello, who held office as Kogi State governor from January 2016 until January 2024, is facing 19 charges of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case centers around allegations of the diversion of N80.2 billion from both the Kogi State Government's accounts and those of local governments during his tenure.
Bello has refuted these allegations, facing additional fraud charges regarding the purported diversion of N110 billion intended for state use, which he allegedly used to acquire luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai, UAE. The trial continues at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama.
Details of Payment for Wuse Property
According to a statement from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the eleventh witness stated that the N650 million was transacted through various bureau de change operators before finalizing the documentation for the property.
Mr. Igbakymeh confirmed to the court that he was later invited by EFCC investigators for clarification during their inquiry, during which he complied by submitting transaction documents while providing a written statement.
He verified his signature on the Offer Letter and Deed of Assignment, both of which were subsequently admitted as evidence by the court despite the defense holding reservations on their admission until closing arguments.
The witness noted that the last page of Exhibit 45 bore the name Ali Bello as the assignee. When questioned if Ali Bello and Shehu Bello were the same person, he clarified they were different individuals, stating both were present during the negotiations.
BDC Operator Takes the Stand
The prosecution then called its twelfth witness, Mr. Daudu, a bureau de change operator.
Mr. Abdullahi detailed the operations of his three companies: Kunfayakun Global Limited, E-Traders International Limited, and De-Remita International Limited.
He confirmed providing a statement to the EFCC in 2021, which was subsequently accepted into evidence as Exhibit 36. The witness stated he was the signatory for all corporate accounts and operated a personal account with Access Bank.
While presenting account statements already admitted, he affirmed the ownership of various accounts and their respective transactions.
He recounted an encounter in 2021 with Abba Adaudu at Zenith Bank, leading to an exchange of contacts for foreign exchange transactions. Adaudu later transferred funds for exchange, deposited in batches of N10 million.
When questioned about specific transactions made on December 29 and 30, 2021, involving N60 million deposits, Mr. Abdullahi stated he was not directly involved in those transactions, attributing responsibility to Adaudu.
He revealed the funds were converted to dollars and entrusted to Adaudu, a process that extended over a year, during which both cash deposits and transfers from firms associated with Adaudu were handled.
During a detailed review of multiple transactions, the witness paused his testimony due to fatigue caused by fasting, prompting the judge to adjourn until the subsequent hearing.
Court Ruling on Document Admissibility
In the session on Monday, Judge Nwite spoke on the acceptability of documents related to an alleged sale of Plot 1160, Cadastral Zone, Gwarimpa II, Abuja, purportedly sold for N100 million.
Citing relevant legal precedents, the judge deemed the documents pertinent to illustrating the existence of a transaction, thereby granting their admissibility, labeling them as Exhibits 42 (Irrevocable Power of Attorney) and 43 (Deed of Assignment).
Following this ruling, prosecution attorney Chukwudi Enebeli continued to present the testimony of the tenth witness, Mahmoud Abdulaziz, an accountant from Dantata and Sawoe Construction Limited. He related the account statements and agreements executed involving the construction firm and Azba Real Estate Limited, further clarifying who had authorized the arrangements.
During cross-examination, it was established that the witness was not present during the signing of the documents, though he confirmed familiarity with company directors' signatures.
EFCC Seeks Revocation of Travel Permission
Prosecution lawyer Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, filed a motion on February 2 to revoke a previous ruling allowing the defendant to travel abroad, citing new developments and safety issues.
The application emphasized the need for the defendant to remain in Nigeria to avoid risks associated with extradition and potential incarceration abroad.
In contrast, Mr. Bello’s attorney opposed the motion, insisting that his client had been granted bail, which encompassed mobility rights, and should not be unduly restricted as he was still presumed innocent.
After considering arguments from both sides, Judge Nwite scheduled the next hearings for April 22, 23, and 24, 2026, as well as May 6 and 7 for the continuation of proceedings.
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