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By Oscar Okhifo
A prosecution witness, Shehu Bello, on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, was purchased for ₦550 million and paid for in cash in United States dollars
The testimony was given during the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion.
The EFCC, led by counsel Olukayode Enitan, SAN, said the case involves alleged laundering of ₦80,246,470,088.88.
Testifying under examination-in-chief, the witness, a real estate agent and commodity trader, said the transaction was concluded in cash despite an agreed naira valuation.
“We agreed ₦550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” he told the court.
He also told the court he facilitated another property purchase in Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, valued at ₦105 million, which was paid via bank transfer.
The witness further disclosed previous dealings with Ali Bello, describing him as a friend and business associate.
“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 own property in Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million, having earlier bought it for ₦63 million.
Another witness, Baba Isa Usman Baffa, an estate surveyor, testified on a separate transaction involving Shop B13 at Cityscape Shariff Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja, confirming payments totaling ₦66 million, including agency fees.
Earlier, Bureau de Change operator Jamilu Abdullahi was cross-examined over an alleged $300,000 transaction linked to school fees payment to the American International School.
He told the court he could not fully recall details due to the passage of time.
“My Lord, the answer is a little more than yes or no. When I explain, I will then answer,” he said during cross-examination.
He later confirmed he is a licensed Bureau de Change operator and denied operating illegally.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter till May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.