EFCC witness says Yahaya Bello not linked to new documents in ongoing trial

A prosecution witness in the ongoing money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Monday told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that Bello’s name was not linked to fresh documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mahmoud Abdulazeez, an accountant and staff of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, testified during cross-examination that the transactions reflected in the Irrevocable Power of Attorney and the Deed of Assignment did not involve Bello in any way.

Abdulazeez, who has over 25 years’ experience in accounting, said: “During the perfection of the transaction, the ex-governor, Yahaya Bello, was neither a participant, nor did I see him anywhere near our office.” He added that the documents were executed between Dantata and Azar Real Estate Limited, with signatories from both companies.

Earlier, Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the documents as evidence, marking them as Exhibits 42 and 43, despite objections from Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN. The judge ruled the documents were tendered to establish the existence of transactions in a criminal trial, not to prove ownership of the property.

The EFCC also called additional witnesses, including James Igbakuleh, a legal practitioner, and Jemilu Abdullahi, a Bureau De Change operator, both of whom confirmed that former Governor Bello had no involvement in the properties or transactions in question.

The court adjourned the trial to April 22, 23, 24, and May 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation.