The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday adjourned the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to July 8, 2025.
Bello, alongside two officials of the Kogi State government, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, is facing a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the case under Sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and punishable under Section 312 of the same law.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly used funds from the Kogi State treasury to acquire luxury properties in Maitama, Abuja and Dubai, UAE.
At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, the EFCC’s first witness, Fabian Nwora, who is the Chairman of EFAB Properties, completed his testimony.
Nwora confirmed that negotiations for one of the properties, located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, were initiated by one Shehu Bello and concluded by Segun Adeleke, the second prosecution witness.
Testifying under the guidance of lead prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adeleke said EFAB received ₦500 million for the property.
He also revealed that Yahaya Bello later returned with the agreement, expressing his decision to abandon the transaction due to the EFCC investigation.
When asked about another transaction, Adeleke confirmed that documents were issued to one Nuhu Muhammed after he purchased a detached bungalow unit in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
However, counsel to the second defendant, Joseph Daudu (SAN), objected to the admissibility of the documents related to Muhammed, arguing that there was no clear link between the evidence and the accused.
The presiding Judge, overruled the objection, allowing the documents to be admitted.
Under cross-examination, Adeleke admitted that he had no direct dealings with the three defendants, and that their names do not appear on any of the documents tied to the property transactions.