Alleged Fraud: Witness Reveals How He Received N1billion For Renovation of Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello’s Houses
The witness mentioned renovating several properties belonging to ex-governor Bello, including the Presidential Lodge in Lokoja, Kogi State, and various houses in Abuja
A contractor, on Monday, testified in the Federal High Court in Abuja about how he received N1 billion for renovating houses owned by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello. The contractor, Aminu Rabiu, returned to the witness stand to answer cross-examination questions regarding his claims.
He testified as the seventh prosecution witness in the trial of the former governor’s nephew, Ali Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Sulaiman.
The charges against the two men involve money laundering and fraudulent diversion of N10 billion from Kogi State Government’s funds during Mr. Bello’s tenure.
The former governor, Yahaya Bello, is also facing charges in a separate case of diverting over N80 billion from the state’s treasury.
Mr. Rabiu, who runs the Falala Construction and Interior Decoration Company in Abuja, testified that he received N1 billion over several years through various individuals, including Ali Bello, to renovate the former governor’s houses in Abuja and Kogi State.
He also mentioned that he executed construction projects and supply contracts for the Kogi State Government during Mr. Bello’s time as governor.
During cross-examination, Mr. Rabiu confirmed receiving cash payments for government contracts and private jobs from Ali Bello. He also stated that he supplied furniture and office equipment for the state government and the private properties of the Bellos.
Mr. Rabiu mentioned renovating several properties belonging to Mr. Bello, including the Presidential Lodge in Lokoja, Kogi State, and various houses in Abuja.
When asked about the source of the money used to pay him, Mr. Rabiu said that he was not aware of the source and only focused on doing his work. He also confirmed that he did not receive money from the second defendant, Mr. Suleiman.
The judge discharged Mr. Rabiu from the witness box and set 6 and 7 October for further hearing.
Ali Bello and his co-defendant are facing 10 counts of money laundering involving the diversion of N10 billion belonging to the Kogi State government. They have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
