Yahaya Bello: Witness Says Maitama Property Bought with $550m Cash Equivalent

Our Reporter 

The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case continued on Wednesday before Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with fresh revelations on high-value property transactions.

A prosecution witness, Shehu Bello (PW14), told the court that a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, Abuja, was purchased for ₦550 million, paid in cash in United States dollars.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, the witness—who identified himself as a real estate agent and commodity trader—said he handled the transaction on behalf of his client, Dr. Faruk Bello.

“We agreed ₦550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” he told the court.

The witness further disclosed that he facilitated another property purchase for the same client at Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, valued at ₦105 million, which was paid via bank transfer.

Shehu Bello also confirmed prior business dealings with Ali Bello, whom he described as a friend, noting that they had engaged in both commodity and property transactions. 

He added that he sold his personal property at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million, having earlier acquired it for ₦63 million. 

He also assisted in sourcing a buyer for another Guzape property on Ali Bello’s behalf.

During the proceedings, the prosecution sought to tender the witness’s extra-judicial statement made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

However, defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, objected on the grounds that it was a cautionary statement and therefore inadmissible. 

To avoid delays, the prosecution withdrew the document.

Earlier, another prosecution witness, Baba Isa Usman Baffa (PW13), an estate surveyor and facility manager, testified regarding a property transaction at Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, known as Cityscape Shariff Plaza.

Baffa told the court that Ali Bello purchased a shop in the plaza, paying an initial ₦40 million deposit and a balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees. 

He said the payment was made into the account of Shariff Plaza Management and Facility Company, and a receipt was issued before Shop B13 was allocated to the buyer. He confirmed under cross-examination that the buyer had taken possession of the property.

The witness was subsequently discharged.

Also testifying was PW12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, who was cross-examined over a previous testimony involving a $300,000 transaction allegedly used for school fees payment to the American International School.

When asked to confirm his earlier statement, the witness said he could not provide a direct yes-or-no answer without further explanation. 

The prosecution’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, objected to the defence’s insistence on a categorical response, arguing that the witness should be allowed to clarify his position.

“My Lord, he cannot be confined… there’s no law that compels him to answer a question. A witness can keep mute. Muteness is an answer,” Pinheiro submitted.

The witness, however, said he could not fully recall the details due to the passage of time but confirmed that E-traders was his company. 

He also denied operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change, insisting that he is duly licensed.

Following his testimony, Abdullahi was discharged.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Yahaya Bello on charges bordering on alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.