The EFCC trial of ex-Kogi governor Yahaya Bello over alleged ₦80.2bn money laundering resumed with a witness revealing how a ₦650m Abuja property was purchased through bureau de change operators
Trial of Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello: Witness Details ₦650m Abuja Property Deal in Ongoing ₦80.2bn Money Laundering Case
The high-profile trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, resumed Monday before Justice Emeka Nwite, with fresh revelations about a controversial property transaction in Abuja.
Testifying as the 11th prosecution witness, lawyer James Bem Igbakymeh told the court that in October 2021, he was instructed to sell a property at Plot 1058, Wuse II, Abuja. He said a man identified as Shehu Bello later negotiated the purchase for ₦650 million.
“My lord, after negotiations we agreed on the price of ₦650 million,” Igbakymeh testified.
He explained that payments were made into accounts belonging to SFC Foods Limited and JIT Agric Limited, routed through bureau de change operators before the property documents were handed over.
The EFCC, prosecuting Bello on a 19-count charge of laundering ₦80,246,470,088.88, later invited Igbakymeh for questioning. He submitted documents and confirmed authoring the Offer Letter, while identifying signatures on the Deed of Assignment.
Interestingly, the Deed listed Ali Bello as the assignee, not Shehu Bello. “My lord, Shehu Bello came to my office with Ali Bello on two occasions during the negotiations,” Igbakymeh clarified.
The court admitted the Offer Letter and Deed of Assignment as Exhibits 44 and 45.
The prosecution then called its 12th witness, bureau de change operator Jamilu Abdullahi, who confirmed operating three companies—Kunfayakun Global Limited, E-Traders International Limited, and De-Remita International Limited—and being signatory to their accounts. His statement to the EFCC was admitted as Exhibit 36.
The trial continues. Read More
