Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has postponed the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to July 8.
Gatekeepers News reports that Bello is facing a 16-count charge alongside two former state officials, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, for alleged criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion, in violation of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the defendants allegedly used state funds to acquire luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Fabian Nwora, chairman of EFAB Properties and EFCC’s first witness, concluded his testimony.
He told the court that he opened negotiations on the said property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama with one Shehu Bello but that the negotiations were concluded by Segun Adeleke, who is the EFCC’s second witness (PW2).
Led in evidence by Kemi Pinheiro, the prosecution counsel, Adeleke told the court that Nwora gave him the brief on the property in 2020. He said the deal was concluded and N500 million was paid for the said property.
The second prosecution witness said Bello returned to their office with the agreement, to tell his chairman that he was no longer interested in the property as a result of the EFCC investigation.
Pinheiro asked about some documents issued to one Nuhu Muhammed in respect of a property in the Gwarinpa area. Adeleke confirmed that the documents were issued to Muhammed after he purchased one of the units of the detached bungalows belonging to EFAB Property Limited.
Joseph Daudu, counsel to the second defendant, objected to the admissibility of the documents because there was a disconnect between the documents sought to be tendered and the foundation laid by the witness. The objection was, however, overruled.
Under cross-examination, Adeleke stated he had no direct dealings with the three defendants, and none of their names appeared in the transaction documents.
