EFCC Vs. Bello: Court Adjourns To April 3 As First Witness Testifies

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, on Wednesday, adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the alleged money laundering case to April 3 and 24, and May 6, 2024, for the continuation of hearings.

Justice Maryann Anenih made the ruling after the first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, testified in court. The prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had planned to call five witnesses, but the court could only accommodate one witness due to time constraints.

The defense, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised objections concerning the prosecution’s handling of evidence. Daudu claimed that the statements on oath from the second defendant had not been made available to the defense, which he argued was a serious hindrance to preparing an adequate defense. He requested that the court order the prosecution to provide all relevant documents, including the statements of the second and third defendants.

Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, counsel for the third defendant, echoed this concern, requesting that the court order the prosecution to provide statements from the second and third defendants, along with reports from any recovered digital devices mentioned in the evidence.

In response, the prosecution argued that the defense was attempting to delay the trial. Kemi Pinheiro insisted that the proof of evidence had been served on the defendants in November 2024, and the law did not require the prosecution to provide all documents the defense had requested.

After hearing arguments, Justice Anenih declined the defense’s application for an adjournment and instructed the prosecution to proceed with calling its witness.

Fabian Nworah, the first witness, testified that he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 8, 2023, regarding a transaction with Shehu Bello involving a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja. Nworah explained that he had sold the property to Shehu Bello, but the sale agreement listed a different name, Dr. Bello Ohiani. He added that in 2023, Shehu Bello informed EFAB Property that the property was under investigation by the EFCC and demanded a refund of the N550 million paid for it. EFAB Property complied with the EFCC’s request to refund the money in two installments.

Nworah also testified that he had not had any further contact with Shehu Bello or Dr. Bello Ohiani until December 2024, when they were summoned to court as witnesses.

Following the testimony, the court adjourned the case to April 3 and 24, and May 6, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.