The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday presented its first witness in the trial of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, who faces a 16-count charge of money laundering involving N110 billion, as reported by Vanguard....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
The case resumed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the EFCC called its first witness, the owner of EFAB Property, to testify.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The witness recounted how his company sold a property at No. 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to one Shehu Bello in 2020 for N550 million.
The transaction is believed to be linked to the alleged fraudulent activities under investigation.
The defense team, representing Bello and other defendants, had earlier raised objections, claiming that the EFCC failed to provide them with critical evidence required for their defense.
However, Justice Anenih overruled their objections, noting that there was no formal application to back their claims.
The judge emphasized the need to proceed with the trial and declined requests for an adjournment.
“The defendants cannot stall the trial without a proper application,” Justice Anenih ruled, setting the stage for the EFCC to proceed with its case.
The EFCC alleges that Bello and his associates were involved in diverting public funds through complex money laundering schemes during his tenure as governor.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to its scale and the high-profile nature of the defendant.
Bello, who has consistently denied the allegations, claims that the charges are politically motivated.
His legal team vowed to vigorously challenge the prosecution’s evidence as the trial progresses.
The case is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with more witnesses slated to testify for the EFCC as they seek to establish their claims against the former governor.
