Witness reveals how ₦550m Maitama property was allegedly bought in Yahaya Bello trial

A prosecution witness on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that a property located in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory was purchased for ₦550 million and paid for in United States dollars cash in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The witness, Shehu Bello, testified before Emeka Nwite during proceedings in the alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case instituted against the former governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Mr Bello appeared as the 14th prosecution witness (PW14) in the case.The EFCC is prosecuting the former governor on allegations involving ₦80,246,470,088.88, charges Mr Bello has denied.

Witness account

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan (SAN), the witness, who identified himself as a real estate agent and commodity trader, told the court that the property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, Abuja, was purchased on behalf of his client, Dr Faruk Bello.“We agreed ₦550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” the witness said.He further told the court that he facilitated the purchase of another property on Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, for the same client at the cost of ₦105 million.

According to him, unlike the Maitama transaction, payment for the Wuse property was made through bank transfer to the seller.The witness also disclosed that he had previous business dealings with Ali Bello.“Ali Bello is my friend. We have done some businesses together in the past—commodity and property business,” he said.

He added that he sold his personal property located at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million after initially purchasing it for ₦63 million.

The witness also said he assisted in sourcing a buyer for another property in Guzape on behalf of Ali Bello.

Defence objects

During proceedings, the prosecution sought to tender the witness’ extra-judicial statement made to the EFCC as evidence.However, defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected, arguing that the statement was cautionary and therefore inadmissible.

To avoid delays in the proceedings, the prosecution later withdrew the document and continued with the trial.Earlier testimoniesEarlier, the prosecution called Baba Isa Usman Baffa, an estate surveyor and facility manager, as the 13th prosecution witness.Mr Baffa testified about a property transaction involving Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, also known as Cityscape Shariff Plaza.

According to him, Ali Bello purchased a shop in the plaza.“He paid an initial deposit of ₦40 million and later paid the balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees. A receipt was issued to him, and he was allocated Shop B13,” the witness said.

He added that the payment was made into the account of Shariff Plaza Management and Facility Company and confirmed during cross-examination that the buyer took possession of the property.

Another witness, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator and the 12th prosecution witness, was also cross-examined over his earlier testimony regarding a $300,000 transaction allegedly linked to school fees payments at the American International School.

When asked whether he still stood by his earlier testimony, the witness said: “My Lord, the answer is a little more than yes or no. When I explain, I will then answer.”The prosecution’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the defence’s insistence on a direct response.“He cannot be confined… there’s no law that compels him to answer a question. A witness can keep mute. Muteness is an answer,” he argued.Mr Abdullahi later said he could not fully remember the details because “it has been a long time.”He also confirmed that E-traders belonged to him and denied operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change business.“I am a licensed Bureau de Change operator,” he said.Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until 7 May for continuation of trial.