Alleged ₦80.2bn Kogi Fraud: Witness Narrates How Maitama Property Was Bought with ₦550m
Abuja, Nigeria, May 6, 2026
A prosecution witness, Shehu Bello, on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, was purchased for ₦550 million and paid for in United States dollars cash in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Bello over alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.
Testifying before Justice Emeka Nwite, the witness, a real estate agent and commodity trader, said the transaction was carried out on behalf of his client, Dr. Faruk Bello.
“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.
The witness further disclosed that he facilitated the purchase of another property on Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, for the same client at the cost of ₦105 million, noting that payment was made through bank transfer.
Bello also informed the court that he had prior business dealings with Ali Bello in commodity and property transactions.
According to him, he sold his personal property located at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million after purchasing it earlier for ₦63 million.
He further stated that he assisted in sourcing a buyer for another property in Guzape on behalf of Ali Bello.
During proceedings, the prosecution sought to tender the witness’s extra-judicial statement made to the EFCC, but defence counsel, J. B. Daudu, objected on grounds that it was a cautionary statement and inadmissible. The prosecution later withdrew the document to avoid delays.
Earlier, another prosecution witness, Baba Isa Usman Baffa, testified on a property transaction involving Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, also known as Cityscape Shariff Plaza.
Baffa told the court that Ali Bello purchased a shop in the plaza after making an initial payment of ₦40 million and later completing the balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees.
He confirmed that payment was made into the account of Shariff Plaza Management and Facility Company and that the buyer later took possession of the property.
Also testifying was Jamilu Abdullahi, who was cross-examined over a previous testimony relating to a $300,000 transaction allegedly used for school fees payment to the American International School Abuja.
The witness stated that he could not fully recall details of the transaction because of the time that had passed but maintained that he was a licensed Bureau de Change operator.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter till May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.
