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Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial Adjourned to April 3 After First Witness Testifies

FCT High Court has adjourned Yahaya Bello’s alleged money laundering trial to April 3 for continuation of hearing

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has adjourned the alleged money laundering trial of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, to April 3.

The judge, Maryann Anenih adjourned the case for continuation of hearing after the first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, gave his witness testimony.

When the matter was called for hearing, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, informed the court that he had five witnesses to call, but the judge said she could only take one owing to her busy schedule.

The judge had earlier declined an application by Joseph Daudu counsel for Yahaya Bello who asked the Court to adjourn the proceedings on account of not having any prior information about the witness.

Citing authorities, Daudu said legal proceedings should not be a “hide and seek” game, stating that the prosecution was required to provide the witness’ statements on oath in advance so the defence could adequately prepare for cross-examination.

The witness told the Court that the estate firm he works for sold a property on 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama Abuja to Shehu Bello but observed that the name on the sale agreement was Dr. Bello Ohiani, not Shehu Bello.

He said, in 2023, Shehu Bello approached the estate firm, informing them that the property was under investigation by the EFCC. He returned all documents related to the purchase and demanded a refund of the N550million that was eventually paid in two tranches to an EFCC-designated account.

Throughout his witness testimony, Nworah made no mention of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

Yahaya Bello alongside two others, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, face a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, among others.

They are accused of spending over N110 billion of public funds to acquire several properties in Abuja and Dubai.

Godfrey Eshiemoghie

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