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EFCC Presents Proof in Case In opposition to Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello for Cash Laundering
Abuja, Nigeria – The Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) has offered important proof in its ongoing case towards former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in a bid to ascertain a cash laundering cost. The EFCC submitted a sequence of reveals earlier than the Federal Excessive Court docket in Abuja on Monday, together with vital financial institution statements.
Among the many paperwork tendered have been the assertion of account for the Kogi State Authorities Home, spanning from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2024. This proof was launched by Mrs. Williams Abimbola, a Compliance Officer with the United Financial institution for Africa (UBA). She was the second prosecution witness within the matter (PW-2). Abimbola confirmed that the financial institution was served with a subpoena to supply the account particulars in courtroom. The protection workforce, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) J.B. Daudu, didn’t object, and each the assertion of account and the account opening bundle have been duly admitted into proof.
The EFCC additionally tendered further paperwork, together with a press release of account belonging to at least one Maselina Njoku, in addition to the assertion of account and account opening bundle of the American Worldwide College. These paperwork pertain to monetary transactions for the years 2022 and 2020, respectively.
Witness Testimonies and Property Transactions
The primary prosecution witness, Mr. Segun Adeleke, Normal Supervisor of EFAB Properties Restricted, testified about property transactions involving the defendant. Adeleke defined that the corporate dealt with the sale of high-value properties in Abuja, together with a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Shut, Maitama.
Adeleke’s testimony revealed that in 2020, a younger man named Shehu Bello got here to make a cost of N550 million for the Maitama property, utilizing US {dollars}. After confirming the trade charge, the cost was processed. Adeleke additionally testified about one other property transaction at Home 12, 59 Crescent, fifth Avenue, Gwarimpa, which was bought by Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million by way of a financial institution switch.
Allegations In opposition to Yahaya Bello
The EFCC has accused the previous governor of committing a number of monetary crimes, together with laundering proceeds from his time in workplace. Particularly, it’s alleged that Bello used 5 proxies to amass 13 high-value properties in Abuja and Dubai, together with some in intellectual areas like Maitama.
The EFCC additionally claims that Bello tried to hide over N3 billion by instructing his proxies to maintain the funds for him. Furthermore, it’s alleged that the previous governor wired over $700,000 to an account in the US, in violation of the Cash Laundering Prohibition Act.
The previous governor is going through 19 counts of fraud, with the EFCC accusing him of committing public breach of belief. The prosecution contends that the properties have been acquired with illicit funds and seeks to carry Bello accountable for his actions underneath Nigerian anti-money laundering legal guidelines.
Authorized Proceedings
Regardless of the grave fees, the previous governor has pleaded not responsible to the accusations and was granted bail by the courtroom. Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned the case till March 6 and seven, 2025, to permit the second prosecution witness to conclude her testimony.
The trial continues because the EFCC seeks to show its case towards Yahaya Bello, emphasizing that the alleged illicit actions occurred throughout his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024.
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