By Ayomide Otitoju
A second prosecution witness in the ongoing money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that the ex-governor and his co-defendants did not make any payments to Efab Property Limited for a disputed real estate transaction.
Segun Adeleke, a manager at Efab Property and the EFCC’s second prosecution witness (PW2), said during Wednesday’s proceedings that he had no dealings with any of the defendants and confirmed that their names did not appear on any transaction documents related to the property in question.
Earlier, the first prosecution witness, Fabian Nwora, also confirmed that none of the three defendants had made payments into the company’s account. While acknowledging that he knew Bello, Nwora maintained that the former governor was not involved in the transaction. He said the deal was initiated by Shehu Bello and concluded by Adeleke.
Adeleke told the court that Shehu Bello expressed interest in a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, in 2020, but later withdrew from the deal due to an EFCC investigation.
During the proceedings, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), questioned Adeleke about documents linked to another property in Gwarinpa, issued to Nuhu Muhammed. Adeleke confirmed the documents were issued after Muhammed purchased one of the units.
Defence Counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) raised objections, arguing the documents lacked proper evidentiary foundation. The court, however, overruled the objection.
Under cross-examination, Adeleke acknowledged that he joined the transaction mid-process and did not personally know Nuhu Muhammed. He also contradicted earlier testimony given before Justice Emeka Nwite, where he claimed the payment was made in a single tranche, now saying it occurred in two.
Another witness, Mrs. Williams Abimbola, subpoenaed by the EFCC, tendered a statement of account from the Kogi State Government House, accompanied by a Certificate of Identification.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter to October 8, 9, and November 12, 13, 2025, for continuation of trial.
