The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to March 6 and 7, 2025.
The case, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), continued today with testimonies from two prosecution witnesses.
Testimonies from Key Witnesses
The first witness, Segun Adeleke, General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, testified regarding property transactions linked to the former governor.
Adeleke informed the court that his company facilitated the sale of certain properties allegedly used in laundering illicit funds.
He presented documents detailing the transactions and confirmed that financial dealings between his firm and Bello had raised concerns about suspicious fund movements.
The second prosecution witness, an EFCC forensic expert, provided an analysis of financial records obtained during the investigation.
According to the expert, the agency traced significant cash flows from government accounts to private entities linked to Bello and his associates.
The expert submitted forensic audit reports and bank statements as evidence before the court.
EFCC’s AllegationsThe EFCC has accused Yahaya Bello of misappropriating public funds and engaging in financial transactions that violate Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
According to the commission, the former governor diverted state funds through proxies and front companies, disguising illicit proceeds as legitimate business transactions.
The charges also include allegations of using state resources to purchase luxury properties and fund personal ventures.
In previous court sessions, the EFCC presented evidence linking Bello to suspicious transactions amounting to billions of naira.
The commission insists that its investigations have uncovered a well-orchestrated scheme involving government officials and private entities to siphon public funds.
Defense’s ResponseBello’s legal team has consistently denied the allegations, arguing that the former governor acted within legal and constitutional boundaries during his tenure.
His lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), contended that the EFCC’s claims lack merit and are politically motivated.
Awomolo further stated that the properties in question were acquired through lawful means and that the transactions flagged by the EFCC were legitimate business dealings.
The defense also challenged the admissibility of some forensic evidence presented by the EFCC, citing procedural irregularities.
Bello’s lawyers have filed motions to dismiss certain charges, arguing that the case is built on circumstantial evidence without concrete proof of wrongdoing.
Court’s Decision and Next StepsPresiding Judge Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to March 6 and 7, 2025, to allow for further cross-examination of witnesses and review of additional evidence.
The judge directed both the prosecution and defense to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted before the next hearing.
Legal analysts suggest that the adjournment will give both parties more time to strengthen their arguments.
The EFCC is expected to present more witnesses, while the defense will likely continue to challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence.
The case has drawn significant public interest, as it underscores Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption, particularly involving high-profile political figures.
Observers are keenly watching to see whether the judiciary will uphold the charges against Bello or dismiss them due to lack of sufficient evidence.
As the legal proceedings continue, Yahaya Bello remains free on bail, though he faces travel restrictions imposed by the court.
The upcoming hearings in March are expected to be pivotal in determining the course of the case and its broader implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
