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.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
ALSO READ: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
SEE MORE: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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