Witness reveals receiving N1bn to renovate Yahaya Bello’s houses in Abuja and Kogi. Learn the details of this major transaction.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed charges against two individuals for money laundering, alleging that they fraudulently diverted N10 billion from the Kogi State Government’s funds during the tenure of former governor Mr. Bello. In a separate case, the former governor is also facing charges for diverting over N80 billion from the state’s treasury.
The EFCC has also named two other individuals as accomplices in the case, and the prosecution is ongoing before a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Despite the charges, the former governor has been repeatedly absent from court, causing delays in the trial proceedings. The EFCC has been unable to execute the warrant for his arrest, and he has been declared wanted since April.
The trial has been stalled on five separate occasions due to his absence, and the commission has been unable to proceed with the case.
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In the trial of Ali Bello, the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, led the seventh prosecution witness in providing evidence. The witness narrated how he met the former governor through his wife in 2009 and received N1 billion from various sources to renovate the former governor’s houses.
The witness confirmed knowing the two defendants in the case and identified the owners of several properties, stating that they belonged to Yahaya Bello. He also detailed how he was paid for the renovation work, including cash and bank transfers.
The witness testified that he was paid in cash and bank transfers, with the lowest amount being N8 million from various individuals on behalf of Mr. Bello at No 9, Benghazi Street, Abuja, and sometimes at Ali Bello’s house in Life Camp, Abuja. He mentioned that he renovated the house at No 9 Benghazi, and was paid around N300 million in cash.
Additionally, he received N200 million in cash for renovations at Jabi and around N200 million in cash for furnishing and polishing at Life Camp. The witness also revealed that he has a Zenith Bank account through which he receives money for his company, Falala Construction.
He stated that his company was involved in the demolition and rebuilding of the Presidential Lodge in the Kogi State Government House, for which he received over N600 million.
Furthermore, he mentioned working in Kogi State, Okene, where he did renovations, remodeling, and finishing, receiving around N500 million in cash.
The defence lawyers representing Ali Bello and Mr. Suleiman were Abubakar Aliyu and Olusegun Jolaawo, respectively. The case was adjourned until 16 July, and the judge overseeing the former governor’s case set 17 July for further hearing.
