The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud case to April 3, 2025.
The adjournment follows the commencement of witness testimony by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello faces a 19-count charge, including allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the EFCC presented its first witness, Fabian Nwora, a property developer and chairman of Efab Properties Nigeria Limited.
Nwora testified that in 2020, his company sold a Maitama, Abuja property for ₦550 million to one Shehu Bello.
However, he later discovered that the sale agreement bore the name “Dr. Bello Ohianyi.”
He further revealed that in 2023, Shehu Bello returned, claiming that the EFCC was investigating the transaction and requested a refund. Following EFCC directives, Efab Properties refunded the ₦550 million in two installments, ₦400 million first, followed by ₦150 million.
Justice Maryanne Anenih admitted the sale agreement and deed of assignment as court exhibits before adjourning proceedings to April 3, April 24, and May 6 for continuation.
Earlier, Bello’s legal team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected to the testimony, arguing that the prosecution had not served them witness statements.
However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), dismissed the objections as an attempt to delay the trial.
Justice Anenih ruled in favor of proceeding with the case.
