The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Wednesday heard that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and two other defendants never made payments for a property in the EFAB estate, contrary to claims surrounding the transaction.
A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Segun Adeleke, who serves as the General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, told the court that the company has no record of any property transactions involving Bello or his co-defendants — Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
Testifying as the second prosecution witness (PW2), Adeleke stated that he had never had any dealings with the defendants and had never seen them before the court proceedings.
“This is the first time I am seeing His Excellency (Yahaya Bello) in person,” Adeleke said during cross-examination by Bello’s counsel, Mr. J.B. Daudu (SAN). “Although I have seen him in the media, I’ve never met or conducted any transaction with him.”
His testimony corroborated that of the first prosecution witness, Mr. Fabian Nwora, the Chief Executive Officer of EFAB Properties Limited. Nwora had earlier informed the court that none of the defendants paid money into the company’s account for the said property. He said negotiations were opened with a certain Shehu Bello, not the defendants, and the final stages were handled by Adeleke.
Nwora revealed that the EFCC invited him on February 8, 2023, regarding a transaction involving a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja. He emphasized that Shehu Bello initiated and negotiated the deal — not Yahaya Bello.
Adeleke also testified that N500 million was paid for the Maitama property by Shehu Bello. However, Shehu later returned, stating he was no longer interested due to EFCC investigations, prompting a pending internal review by EFAB’s legal team.
Under further examination by EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adeleke confirmed the issuance of property documents to a one Nuhu Muhammed in Gwarinpa, FCT. But Defence Counsel Daudu SAN objected, arguing that the foundation for the documents was insufficient. The objection was overruled by the presiding judge.
During cross-examination, Adeleke admitted giving similar testimony before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court and acknowledged that the payment for the Gwarinpa property was made in two tranches, though he initially testified it was paid at once.
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Another witness, Mrs. Abimbola Williams, appeared on subpoena and tendered the Kogi State Government House’s statement of account, along with a Certificate of Identification.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned further hearing in the case to October 8 and 9, and November 12 and 13, 2025.
