The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two others over an alleged N110 billion fraud to July 8, 2025.
Justice Maryanne Anenih also fixed additional hearing dates for October 8–9 and November 12–13, 2025, as the case progresses.
Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on 16 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that the defendants laundered N110.4 billion, an offence punishable under Sections 96, 311, and 312 of the Penal Code Law (Cap. 89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963).
Witness Testimonies and Cross-Examination
At Wednesday’s hearing, Fabian Nwora, chairman of EFAB Properties and the prosecution’s first witness (PW1), concluded his testimony. Nwora had previously told the court that he was invited by the EFCC on February 8, 2023, over a property transaction involving Shehu Bello (not the ex-governor) at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama.
Segun Adeleke, the EFCC’s second witness (PW2) and an EFAB Properties staff member, testified that his company negotiated the sale of the property with Shehu Bello in 2020, receiving N500 million as payment. However, Adeleke stated that Shehu later backed out of the deal due to the EFCC’s investigation, returning the agreement documents.
Legal Objections and Ruling
When the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), sought to tender documents related to another property transaction in Gwarinpa involving one Nuhu Muhammed, defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) objected.
He argued that the documents were irrelevant to the case’s foundation. However, Justice Anenih overruled the objection, allowing the evidence to proceed.
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