A prosecution witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two other defendants told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that Bello did not take part in the property transactions being examined in the case. The witness made the statement while testifying during cross-examination by the defence team.
The witness, Shehu Bello Bala, who appeared as the 17th prosecution witness, informed the court that neither Yahaya Bello nor the second defendant, Umar Shuaib Oricha, was involved in the purchase of the Abuja properties under investigation. According to him, the transactions were handled by Dr. Farouk Bello, who acted as the agent during the acquisition process.
During questioning by counsel to the former governor, Bala explained that he had no family relationship with Ali Bello or the late Farouk Bello. He also stated that he was not from Kogi State and had no personal connection to the former governor beyond what had emerged during the case.
The witness identified himself as a commodity trader from Katsina State. He told the court that he had known Ali Bello for about 14 years through business dealings involving the purchase and sale of agricultural products. According to him, they traded items such as grains and ginger sourced from northern Nigeria. He added that he was also aware that Ali Bello had interests in real estate.
Bala further disclosed that he was aware that some title documents linked to the properties, including a Deed of Assignment and a Power of Attorney, were later returned to Efab Estate by Farouk Bello. He said this development became known before the matter attracted the attention of investigators.
While answering questions from lawyers representing the second and third defendants, the witness stated that he did not know the third defendant and that the individual played no role in the transactions he was familiar with.
He also informed the court that by the time the property documents were returned to Efab Estate, Farouk Bello had already died. According to him, another individual later approached him with documents relating to one of the properties and indicated an intention to sell it. However, the witness said he could not confirm whether the person was a son of the late Farouk Bello.
Bala explained that he subsequently took the documents to the chairman of Efab Estate. It was during that process, he said, that it became clear the property was already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The witness also stated that another property that was not marked by the EFCC had been purchased by Farouk Bello. During the proceedings, defence lawyers attempted to ask questions regarding the ownership and possible inheritance of the property. However, the prosecution objected, arguing that the witness’s earlier testimony did not concern inheritance issues.
The defence team responded that it was entitled to ask questions that could help establish facts relevant to its case. The exchange formed part of the continued hearing in the money laundering trial, which remains before the court.
The case was adjourned for the continuation of proceedings as both the prosecution and defence continue to present evidence and arguments regarding the ownership of the properties and the alleged financial transactions under investigation.