The ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, continued on Wednesday with a prosecution witness telling the Federal High Court in Abuja that a property in Maitama was purchased for ₦550 million, paid in United States dollars cash.
The witness, Shehu Bello, who testified as Prosecution Witness 14 (PW14), made the disclosure before Justice Emeka Nwite while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan (SAN).
Yahaya Bello, Former Kogi State Governor
Yahaya Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80.2 billion.
Testifying in court, Shehu Bello, a real estate agent and commodity trader, said the property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, Abuja, was acquired on behalf of his client, Dr. Faruk Bello.
“We agreed ₦550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” the witness said.
He further disclosed that he facilitated the purchase of another property for the same client on Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, for ₦105 million, noting that the payment was made via bank transfer.
The witness also told the court that he had prior business dealings with Ali Bello, whom he described as a friend, adding that they had engaged in both commodity and property transactions.
According to him, he sold his personal property located at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million, having earlier purchased it for ₦63 million. He added that he also assisted in sourcing a buyer for another property in Guzape on Ali Bello’s behalf.
During the proceedings, the prosecution sought to tender an extra-judicial statement made by the witness to the EFCC, but defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected, arguing that it was a cautionary statement and therefore inadmissible. To avoid delays, the prosecution withdrew the document and continued with the case.
Earlier, Prosecution Witness 13 (PW13), Baba Isa Usman Baffa, an estate surveyor and facility manager, testified on another property transaction at Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, also known as Cityscape Shariff Plaza.
Baffa told the court that Ali Bello purchased a shop in the plaza, paying an initial deposit of ₦40 million and later settling a balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees. He confirmed that a receipt was issued and that the buyer was allocated Shop B13, adding that the payment was made into the account of the plaza’s management company. The witness was subsequently discharged.
Also testifying earlier, PW12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, was cross-examined over a previous testimony relating to a $300,000 transaction allegedly used for school fees at the American International School.
The witness said he could not fully recall the details of the transaction due to the passage of time but confirmed that E-traders was his company and maintained that he was a licensed Bureau de Change operator.
Following the testimonies, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.
