Segun Joseph Abeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, has testified as the first witness in the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over allegations of fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a statement on Monday presented Abeleke before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, 24 February 2025.
Bello is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N80.2 billion.
The charges, brought by the EFCC, are contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
Abeleke, while being cross-examined by EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), said he is involved in real estate and development of turnkey projects in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, and other locations in Abuja.
He testified that in 2020, while in his office, his Chairman, Chief Dr Fabian Nwora, summoned him and introduced him to a young man named Shehu Bello regarding a particular property.
Shehu Bello is reportedly an accomplice of Yahaya Bello.
Yahaha Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, has been under investigation over allegations of financial misconduct.
His tenure was marked by controversies, including accusations of mismanagement of state funds.
The EFCC had been investigating suspicious transactions linked to Yahaya Bello during his time in office. The commission alleged that he laundered billions through various channels, including real estate investments.
The trial, which has drawn public attention, is part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to prosecute former public officials accused of financial crimes.
The case against the former governor is seen as a test of the country’s commitment to holding politicians accountable.
The prosecution is expected to present more witnesses as the trial progresses.