Witness Testifies in Yahaya Bello's N80.2bn Fraud Trial

In the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for alleged money laundering involving N80.2 billion, a witness testified in the Federal High Court in Abuja about cash payments made for a property project. The witness, Shehu Bello, stated that Ali Bello made cash payments of N9 million, N8.5 million, and N5.8 million related to the construction of houses on a property located at Plot 1891 Dala Hill, Maitama, Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the case, with lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN presenting evidence. The court heard that Ali Bello sought assistance in acquiring land for commercial development in Wuse II, Abuja, and payments were made to Metro Deck Construction Company Limited.

The defense, led by Adebayo Adedeji SAN, objected to the admission of an extra-judicial statement made during the investigation, arguing it was inadmissible. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter until June 15, with a ruling on the admissibility of the statement set for June 18.