The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing him of diverting over N110 billion from the state's treasury.
The first prosecution witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, testified about a N550 million property deal allegedly linked to Bello.
Nworah told the court that he was invited by the EFCC for interrogation about the deal in February 2023.
He testified that the property was sold to Shehu Bello, but the name on the agreement was Bello Ohiani. In 2023, Shehu Bello returned to Efab Properties, claiming that the EFCC was investigating the transaction, and demanded a refund.
The EFCC alleged that Bello dishonestly acquired properties in Abuja and Dubai with funds diverted from the state government's treasury. The charges include criminal breach of trust and money laundering. Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts.
The trial judge, Maryanne Anenih, scheduled the next hearings for 3 April, 24 April, and 6 May. Bello faces a separate N80 billion money laundering case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he has been granted bail ahead of trial.
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