Court to Rule on EFCC Documents in Yahaya Bello Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has scheduled a ruling for March 9, 2026, regarding the admissibility of documents sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Bello faces 19 counts of money laundering involving a total of N80.2 billion.

The contested documents include a title deed and an irrevocable power of attorney concerning properties in Gwarinpa District, Abuja, allegedly sold to Dantata Sawo Construction Company for N100 million. EFCC counsel Chukwudi Eneb sought to tender these documents during the trial, but defense counsel Joseph Daudu argued that they were inadmissible and not properly certified.

The court heard testimonies from several witnesses, including Gabriel Ochoch from FCMB, who confirmed that Bello's name did not appear in certain bank transactions, raising questions about the legitimacy of the funds involved.