Crime
No Evidence Linking Yahaya Bello To Properties, EFCC Witness Tells Court
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on alleged money laundering charges continued on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with two witnesses taking the stand.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first witness, Segun Adelakun, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, who testified about property transactions linked to the case.
Adelakun told the court that Bello’s name did not appear on any documents for two properties under scrutiny, located at 1, Ikogosi Road, Maitama, and another in Gwarinpa.
READ ALSO: Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Case Until April
He recounted that in 2020, his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, introduced him to a man named Shehu Bello, who discussed the purchase of the properties.
When asked if he had seen Shehu Bello after their first meeting, Adelakun responded, “I had seen him three times.
“The first time was for introduction, the second time for payment, and the third time was when he brought a legal document for the execution of the EFAB property.”
The prosecution also questioned Adelakun about a separate property on 5th Avenue, Gwarinpa, which he confirmed was purchased by Nuhu Mohammed for ₦70 million, paid via bank transfer. However, he could not recall which bank was used.
During cross-examination, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), pressed Adelakun on whether he had any direct dealings with the former governor.
Daudu asked if Adelakun’s actions were purely based on his chairman’s instructions, to which he replied, “Yes.” He also confirmed that he never initiated discussions with Shehu Bello on his own.
Further questioning revealed that Adelakun did not witness Shehu Bello sign any documents, nor did he ever see Yahaya Bello during the transaction.
When asked whether Bello’s name appeared on any documents held by the EFCC, Adelakun responded, “No.”
The EFCC then called its second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), who appeared in court with a subpoena.
She presented financial documents, which were admitted as Exhibit 1, including:
- Kogi State Government House account statements (Jan 1, 2016 – Jan 31, 2024)
- Maselina Njoku’s account statements (Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2022)
- American International School’s account opening documents and statements (Sept 1 – Sept 30, 2020)
Bello’s defense objected to the prosecution’s introduction of a subpoenaed witness without prior notice but stated they had no intention of delaying the trial.
Following the witness testimonies, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to March 6 and 7, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
The EFCC maintains its case against Yahaya Bello, while his legal team insists no evidence directly links him to the transactions.
The trial is set to resume next year.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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