A prosecution witness in the ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how cash payments were allegedly made for property development in Maitama, Abuja.
The witness, Shehu Bello, who testified as the 14th prosecution witness, said he was aware of multiple cash payments made for construction work on a property at Plot 1891, Dala Hills, Maitama. He mentioned amounts including ₦9 million, ₦8.5 million, and ₦5.8 million.
He told the court that the funds were used alongside bank transfers to pay Metro Deck Construction Company, which handled the project. According to him, Ali Bello initiated contact for the construction of the building.
Shehu Bello also narrated another real estate transaction involving a property in Wuse II, Abuja, which he said was acquired for ₦650 million through bank transfer from SFC Foods Limited.
During the proceedings, the prosecution attempted to tender the witness’s extra-judicial statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, the defence counsel objected, arguing that such statements could not be admitted as substantive evidence against the defendant.
The court heard arguments from both sides, with the defence insisting the documents were only useful for cross-examination, while the prosecution maintained they were admissible since the witness confirmed authorship.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to June 15 for ruling on the admissibility of the statements and June 18 for continuation of trial.
The case continues as the EFCC prosecutes Bello over alleged money laundering involving ₦80,246,470,088.88.
