A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has adjourned the money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, until April 3 and April 24, 2025. Justice Maryann Anenih made the ruling on Wednesday after the prosecution presented its first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer.
The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that he had five witnesses lined up for the hearing. However, Justice Anenih stated that she could only take one witness due to other pending cases on her docket. The court also announced that it would not be sitting on Thursday as earlier scheduled.
The proceedings were marked by a heated exchange between the defense and prosecution over access to witness statements. Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing the 1st and 2nd defendants, argued that the prosecution had failed to provide the statements on oath of the 2nd defendant, making it difficult for the defense to prepare. He emphasized that legal proceedings should not be a “hide and seek” game, urging the prosecution to comply with due process.
Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, counsel for the 3rd defendant, supported the objection, requesting the court to order the prosecution to furnish them with all necessary documents, including forensic reports and digital evidence.
Pinheiro, however, countered that the defense was deliberately stalling the trial, maintaining that the prosecution had served all relevant evidence on November 27, 2024. He insisted that the law only required the prosecution to provide documents upon formal request.
Despite the objections, the prosecution proceeded with its case, calling Fabian Nworah, a property developer with Efab Property Nigeria Limited, as its first witness.
Nworah testified that he was invited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 8, 2023, regarding a transaction involving Shehu Bello and Efab Property over a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja. He stated that while the property was sold to Shehu Bello, the name on the sale agreement was Dr. Bello Ohiani.
In 2023, Shehu Bello informed Efab Property that the property was under EFCC investigation and requested a refund of N550 million. Following the EFCC’s directive, the company refunded the entire amount in two installments—N400 million and N150 million—to an EFCC-designated account.
The case, which revolves around allegations of money laundering, will resume on April 3, when the prosecution is expected to call more witnesses. Meanwhile, the court has directed both parties to ensure that all necessary legal documents are provided to avoid further delays.
The trial continues to attract public attention, as it involves a high-profile former governor facing serious financial crime allegations.
