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EFCC Calls First Witness in Trial of Former Governor Yahaya Bello
![EFCC Calls First Witness in Trial of Former Governor Yahaya Bello](https://global.ariseplay.com/amg/www.thisdaylive.com/uploads/EFCC-2.gif)
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday called his first witness in the alleged corruption trial of immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello.
The witness, Mr Fabian Nwora, a property developer with Efab Property Nigeria Limited, gave evidence of how one Shehu Bello had approached him in 2020 in respect of a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Mr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the witness gave details of the transaction up to when the anti-graft agency intervened.
He stated that although, the transaction was made between Shehu Bello and Efab property, the name contained on the sales documents was Dr Ohiani Bello.
Speaking further, the witness said Shehu Bello, sometimes in 2023, came to demand refund of the property he purchased at N550 million because the property was under investigation by the EFCC.
Nwora disclosed that he declined to refund the money after consulting his lawyer, who told him to hold on for the EFCC, adding that not long after, the Commission invited him to explain what transpired between Efab property and Shehu Bello.
He stated that after his explanation, the agency instructed them to refund the entire sum to an EFCC-designated account.
“We paid N400 million first, then N150 million later”, he said.
The witness claimed that after the money was paid into the Commission’s account, he never had any contact with Shehu Bello or Dr. Bello Ohiani over the issue until December last year, when the EFCC summoned them to court to testify as witnesses in the case related to their transaction with Shehu Bello.
However, the witness throughout his testimony on Wednesday did not mention the name of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Meanwhile, after the court admitted the copies of the Sales Agreement and Deeds of Assignment as exhibits, the court, announced that the matter would be adjourned to enable the court attend to other matters.
Earlier, defendants lawyers had objected to the oath administration of the witness on the grounds that the prosecution did not furnish them with the defendants’ statements made at the Commission.
Besides, they complained that the prosecution ought to have supplied them with the list of witnesses they intend to call to enable them prepare adequately for cross examination.
Counsel for the 1st and 2nd Defendants, Joseph Daudu, SAN, citing authorities, emphasized that legal proceedings should not be a “hide and seek” game.
“The statements of the second defendant have not been served on us to be able to know if we will be able to represent him or not.
“So, it is a serious handicap on us. They need to serve us all the statements made by the defendants.
“I understand the first defendant has not made a statement. Fortunately, we are still within the house keeping stage of the proceeding,” he added.
The senior lawyer thereafter asked the court to adjourned the matter to enable the prosecution serve them the said documents.
Similarly, Counsel for the 3rd defendant, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, said, “Mine is not a comment but an observation my lord. My application is for the court to order the prosecution to provide us with the statements of the 2nd and 3rd defendants.”
Aliyu also urged the court to order the prosecution to provide them with copies of Recovered Digital Device and the report or the extract therefrom mentioned on Page 14 of Volume 1 of the Proof of Evidence and the report of the forensic expert if any.
But, the prosecution objected to the request of the defendants, accusing them of trying to delay speedy trial, adding that the proof of evidence had been served on the defendants since November 27, last year.
In a short ruling, Justice Maryanne Anenih, declined the application for adjournment and directed the prosecution to proceed with the case.
Meanwhile, trial has been adjourned till April 3 and 24 and May 6.