By Edith Nwapi
Two Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witnesses told an Abuja High Court that none of the three defendants in the trial of a former governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello paid money into their company account.
This was the account of EFCC first witness, Fabian Nwora, who completed his evidence in an alleged fraud charges against former Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello at FCT High Court on Wednesday.
Nwora is the chairman of Efab Property which handled the property that is the subject of the suit.
“I know the former governor. His , name did not feature in the transaction referred to,” he said.
Nwora told the court that he opened negotiations on the said property but that the negotiation was concluded by Segun Adeleke, who is the EFCC second witness (PW2).
Nwora had, at a previous hearing, testified that he was invited to the EFCC on Feb. 8, 2023,.
He added it was in regard to a transaction between Shehu Bello and EFAB Property on a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama.
Nwora noted that it was Shehu who approached him about the property.
Adeleke, led by the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, reiterated that, in 2020, his chairman, Nwora, gave him the brief on the property, which Shehu Bello showed interest in.
He said the deal was concluded and N500 million paid for the said property.
When asked further what happened afterwards, the witness said Bello returned to their office, with the agreement.
“He told me that he was no longer interested in the property as a result of EFCC investigation.
“My Chairman said he would revert after consulting with our Company Secretary,” he said.
Pinheiro asked about some documents issued to one Nuhu Muhammed in respect of a property in the Gwarinpa area.
The witness confirmed that the documents were issued to the said Muhammed after he purchased one of the units of the detached bungalows belonging to EfabPropertyLimited.
At that point, Counsel for Bello and the second defendant Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected.
He said “My lord, there is a clear disconnect between the documents sought to be tendered and the foundation laid by the witness himself.”
The Prosecution, however, said the objection was misconceived and it was subsequently overruled by the Judge.
Responding, while being cross-examined by Daudu, the witness confirmed that he had testified to a similar evidence at the Federal High Court before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Daudu, told the witness that while giving evidence before Justice Nwite, he had said that funds for the said property at Gwarinpa were transferred at once.
Another witness, on subpoena, Mrs Abimbola Williams , tendered the statement of account of Kogi Government House, along with the Certificate of Identification.
The defence counsel said they would address the matter of the document in the course of the trial and that they had filed an application.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case until July 8 for hearing of the application and Oct 8, 2025, for continuation of hearing. NAN
