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By John Azu
A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he had no business dealings on any property with former governor Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Baba Bappa, who is the 13th prosecution witness in the trial of the former governor on a 19-count charge of money laundering valued at N80.2 billion, on Wednesday testified that, as an estate surveyor and facility manager, he only knew him as a public figure, not in relation to the property transaction before the court.
While being cross examined by defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Bappa admitted that he had not met Ali Bello before until he came to make the enquiry about one of the contested properties linked to the governor in Wuse 2, Abuja.
Earlier, while responding to the examination-in-chief by the prosecution lawyer, Kemi Pinhero (SAN), admitted that the property on Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja also known as Citi Scape Sharriff Plaza “is a plaza and number 13 is a shop in the plaza.”
When asked whether he knew Ali Bello, Bappa said he was one of those who came to make enquiries in the plaza and that he indicated interest in one of the shops.
After making payment, the witness said a shop was allocated to him on an initial deposit of N40 million and a later balance of N26 million, including agency fees.
Daudu also cross examined the 12th witness, Jamilu Abdullahi, who testified that he could not recall the evidence he gave before the trial when it was before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, butater confirmed after he was taking the page 32 of the exhibited documents for the firm, E-Traders International Limited, and Kumfayakum Global Limited on exhibit 37.
The witness, however, said until he confirms with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), he could not confirm the genuinness of documents of his supply of general merchandise and stationeries to the state government and a BDC operator.
Justice Emeka Nwite has fixed the matter for continuation on May 7.